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Daily Express
31-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
A major step forward to future-ready Kota Kinabalu: Mayor
Published on: Thursday, July 31, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 31, 2025 By: Larry Ralon Text Size: Hajiji (centre) witnesses the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) and Petco Trading Labuan Company Ltd at the Pacific Sutera Harbour on Wednesday. Kota Kinabalu: Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah said the signing two Memoranda of Understanding between City Hall (DBKK) with Petco Trading Labuan Company Ltd and Alpha Ocean Resources Berhad (AORB) Wednesday marked a major step forward in advancing the city's sustainable development, innovation and social wellbeing. He said it symbolised a joint commitment to building a future-ready city that balances economic growth, environmental sustainability and community welfare. 'Our development strategy is not reactive or isolated. It forms part of DBKK's long-term plan to develop a green, smart and liveable city that prioritises harmony between economic progress and ecological preservation,' he said at the signing ceremony at Pacific Sutera Hotel. Dr Sabin said the initiatives align with the Kota Kinabalu City Strategic Plan 2025–2035 and the aspirations of the Kota Kinabalu Low Carbon City Action Plan. They also support the New Urban Agenda outlined by UN-Habitat, which promotes inclusive, climate-resilient and innovation-driven urban development. He expressed appreciation to Petco Trading Labuan and AORB for their trust and commitment, saying without the involvement of progressive private sector partners, such ambitious visions could not be turned into impactful and effective action. 'I urge all city residents, government departments and agencies, academic institutions, industry players and civil society to continue supporting these projects,' he said. Petco Trading Labuan, a trading arm of Petronas established in 2008, will partner with DBKK under the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a biogas energy complex at the Kayu Madang landfill site. Dr Sabin said this initiative aims to convert methane gas generated from solid waste, currently exceeding 850 tonnes daily in the West Coast area, into two Megawatts of green electricity, enough to power around 2,000 homes or several light industrial zones. 'This project is not just a waste management solution but also a catalyst for the circular economy and renewable energy sector. 'It will enhance the competitiveness of our manufacturing sector, especially in meeting sustainable production standards for local and global markets,' he said. The project also supports the third target of DBKK's Low Carbon City Plan, which aims to reduce urban carbon emissions by 45 per cent by 2030, in line with Malaysia's commitment under the 2015 Paris Agreement. Meanwhile, the MOU between DBKK and Alpha Ocean Resources Berhad (AORB) will pave the way for the development of a European Union (EU)-compliant deep-sea port in Kota Kinabalu, dedicated to tuna landing and processing. AORB, founded in 2019 and listed on Bursa Malaysia via the Leading Entrepreneur Accelerator Platform (Leap), specialises in deep-sea fishing, tuna processing and maritime logistics that meet premium export standards, especially for markets such as the EU and Japan. Dr Sabin said the port project will elevate Sabah's maritime development to an international level by adhering to globally recognised port management and seafood safety standards. 'Kota Kinabalu is geographically located along the international tuna migration route in the Sulu and Sulawesi Seas, an area that contributes nearly 15 per cent of global tuna production according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 2022 report. 'However, this potential has long remained untapped due to infrastructure constraints, lack of international compliance standards and inefficient logistics support,' he said. The port is expected to open up new economic opportunities, including skilled employment and support industries, thereby strengthening the nation's tuna industry ecosystem. Dr Sabin emphasised that the success of these initiatives relies on continued cooperation between public and private sectors, as well as active community involvement. 'The future of a city is no longer determined by its physical size, but by its ability to adapt, innovate and foster smart partnerships,' 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
The Star
31-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Malaysia at the helm of UN-Habitat
Global stage: Nga at the UN-Habitat assembly. PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has marked a historic moment with the assumption of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) general assembly's presidency for the 2025-2029 term. All 193 countries unanimously approved Malaysia's presidency during the UN-Habitat assembly in Nairobi yesterday. During this term, Malaysia will hold the presidency and a seat on the executive board jointly with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to represent the Asia-Pacific region. The announcement was made during the election of the officers of the bureau at the UN-Habitat assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. Malaysia took over the role from Mexico, which represented the Latin America and Caribbean region in the previous 2019-2025 term. Established in 1977, the UN Habitat is headquartered in Nairobi. It became a full programme under the UN general assembly in 2001. This is the first time in 15 years that a Malaysian has chaired a UN body since Tan Sri Hamidon Ali served as president of the United Nations Economic and Social Council in 2010. Previously, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim served as the president of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) in 1988. Tan Sri Razali Ismail was the president of the UN general assembly from 1996 to 1997. The Malaysian delegation in Nairobi yesterday was led by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. 'We take on this role as president together with our esteemed colleagues from the UAE. 'This shared commitment symbolises regional solidarity and our dedication to urban sustainability. Together, we will ensure that this assembly bridges global ambitions with local realities,' said Nga during his acceptance speech at the UN-Habitat assembly. He said it is a strong testament to the country to be entrusted with the presidency by a universal UN body involving 193 member states. 'It not only proves that our country has returned to the international stage under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim but also highlights our growing international influence. 'In light of this latest development, the support of the people is more important than ever.' He also said in the co-presidency with the UAE, Malaysia stands ready to lead with integrity, inclusivity and with steadfast dedication to the United Nations' principles. To strengthen multilateralism and the UN-Habitat agenda, Nga said Malaysia and the UAE are calling upon member states to redouble their efforts in implementing the New Urban Agenda. In a statement, Nga said Malaysia is prepared to drive high-level dialogue and action on pressing global urban challenges during its presidency. This includes facilitating international consensus on adequate housing, inclusive city planning, climate adaptation and financing for urban resilience, he said. 'We are also advancing the implementation of the New Urban Agenda through legal and policy reforms that aim to tackle poverty, socioeconomic inequality and informal settlements – many of which are increasingly concentrated in urban areas. 'These efforts are embedded in our commitment to sustainable and inclusive development, particularly through affordable housing, urban renewal and innovative waste management,' he said. Nga said Malaysia will prioritise practical and collaborative solutions informed by real-world experiences and delivered through multilateral partnerships with governments, civil society and the private sector, in line with the concept of the 4P principle: People-Public-Private Partnership. 'This is a call to lead with purpose, to build cities that are not just smarter but more inclusive. Cities that care not only for infrastructure but for people. Cities that serve as engines of opportunity, dignity and hope,' he said.
Barnama
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Malaysia Elected President Of Un-Habitat Assembly For 2025-2029 Term
PUTRAJAYA, May 30 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has officially been elected president of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) General Assembly for the 2025-2029 term. According to the Housing and Local Government Ministry's statement, Malaysia made history when its presidency was unanimously approved by all 193 member states at the UN-Habitat Assembly in Nairobi today, and the announcement was made during the Election of the Officers of the Bureau at the UN-Habitat Assembly. The Malaysian delegation is represented by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, and Malaysia takes over the role from Mexico, which represented the Latin America and Caribbean region in the previous term. During this term, Malaysia will hold the presidency and a seat on the Executive Board jointly with the United Arab Emirates to represent the Asia Pacific region. Nga, in his acceptance speech at UN-Habitat, said Malaysia took on this role as president together with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and emphasised shared commitment that symbolised regional solidarity and urban sustainability. 'To strengthen multilateralism and the UN-Habitat Agenda, both Malaysia and the UAE call upon member states to redouble their efforts in implementing the New Urban Agenda,' he said. Nga has said it was a strong testament to the country to be entrusted with the presidency by a United Nations body involving 193 member states. "This is a historic breakthrough for Malaysia. It not only proves that our country has returned to the international stage under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, but also highlights our growing international influence. In light of this latest development, the support of the people is more important than ever. 'This is a shared glory for all Malaysians, as we continue to demonstrate our commitment and achievements in sustainable urban development, with 53 per cent of our 156 local governments now leading Voluntary Local Reviews (VLR) (to assess their progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals), putting us on track for full nationwide coverage by 2030,' he added.
The Star
30-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Malaysia elected president of UN-Habitat Assembly for 2025-2029 term
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has officially been elected president of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) General Assembly for the 2025-2029 term. According to the Housing and Local Government Ministry's statement, Malaysia made history when its presidency was unanimously approved by all 193 member states at the UN-Habitat Assembly in Nairobi on Friday (May 30), and the announcement was made during the Election of the Officers of the Bureau at the UN-Habitat Assembly. The Malaysian delegation is represented by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, and Malaysia takes over the role from Mexico, which represented the Latin America and Caribbean region in the previous term. During this term, Malaysia will hold the presidency and a seat on the Executive Board jointly with the United Arab Emirates to represent the Asia Pacific region. Nga, in his acceptance speech at UN-Habitat, said Malaysia took on this role as president together with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and emphasised shared commitment that symbolised regional solidarity and urban sustainability. "To strengthen multilateralism and the UN-Habitat Agenda, both Malaysia and the UAE call upon member states to redouble their efforts in implementing the New Urban Agenda,' he said. Nga has said it was a strong testament to the country to be entrusted with the presidency by a United Nations body involving 193 member states. "This is a historic breakthrough for Malaysia. It not only proves that our country has returned to the international stage under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, but also highlights our growing international influence. In light of this latest development, the support of the people is more important than ever. "This is a shared glory for all Malaysians, as we continue to demonstrate our commitment and achievements in sustainable urban development, with 53 per cent of our 156 local governments now leading Voluntary Local Reviews (VLR) (to assess their progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals), putting us on track for full nationwide coverage by 2030,' he added. Meanwhile, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme (UAE), Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mansoori, expressed honour at the joint leadership with Malaysia. "This collaboration is marked by strategic coordination and a shared purpose for a better future,' he said. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the UN-Habitat Assembly was established in 1975 and elevated into a full programme by the UN General Assembly in 2001. It is the highest global decision-making body on sustainable urbanisation and human settlements that convenes every four years and plays a critical role in shaping global policies for cities and communities. As President, Malaysia will work closely with the UN-Habitat Executive Board as well as global partners to strengthen multilateral collaboration, as well as promote inclusive, climate-resilient and sustainable cities worldwide. - Bernama
The Sun
30-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia takes helm of UN-Habitat Assembly
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has been elected president of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly for the 2025–2029 term. The announcement was made yesterday during the Election of Officers of the Bureau at the UN-Habitat Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. The appointment – received by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming – marks a historic milestone as Malaysia assumes the presidency from Mexico, which represented Latin America and the Caribbean in the previous term. Malaysia will also serve on the UN-Habitat Executive Board for the same term, jointly with the United Arab Emirates, representing the Asia-Pacific region. 'We take on this role as president together with our esteemed colleagues from the United Arab Emirates. The shared commitment symbolises regional solidarity and dedication to urban sustainability,' said Nga in his acceptance speech. 'Together, we will ensure that this assembly bridges global ambition with local realities. To strengthen multilateralism and the Habitat Agenda, we call on member states to redouble their efforts in implementing the New Urban Agenda,' he added. With the presidency, Malaysia will have the opportunity to set global priorities on sustainable city development and urbanisation beginning next year. Nga described the appointment as a significant recognition of Malaysia's commitment to sustainable urban development, including its progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goals, with 53% of indicators already being tracked at the local level. 'This is a shared glory for all Malaysians. In co-presidency with the UAE, we stand ready to lead with integrity, inclusivity and dedication to the principles of the United Nations.' Echoing the sentiment, UAE Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mansoori, said: 'It is a great honour for the United Arab Emirates to be elected to the presidency of the UN-Habitat Assembly and to serve jointly with Malaysia on the Executive Board. This collaboration reflects strategic coordination and a shared purpose for a better future.' The UN-Habitat Assembly is the UN's highest decision-making body on sustainable urbanisation and human settlements. Convening every four years, it sets key priorities for UN-Habitat's work. The agency operates in over 70 countries focusing on areas such as urban legislation, land and governance, urban planning and design, basic services, slum upgrading, housing and disaster recovery.
