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The Star
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Stronger line of defence in Sabah, S'wak
Ever ready: Saifuddin Nasution (centre, front row) posing for a group photo at the launch of the three battalions at the Sabah GOF Brigade in Papar. KOTA KINABALU: Three new General Operations Force (GOF) battalions in Sabah and Sarawak will play a significant role in strengthening the country's internal security, says the Home Minister. Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the launch of its operations reaffirmed the police's unwavering commitment to their core duty of safeguarding national security and public order. Speaking at the launch of the three battalions at the Sabah GOF Brigade in Papar yesterday, he said the key aspects are the readiness of the police force to respond to security threats, the government's continued investment in personnel welfare and operational facilities, and Malaysia's improved ranking in the Global Peace Index. 'This confirms the state of preparedness of our police force for any scenario. We must always be alert, especially in light of past incidents such as the 2013 Lahad Datu incursion,' Saifuddin Nasution said, referring to the security crisis in eastern Sabah over a decade ago. Two of the three battalions are in Sabah. The 21st, 22nd and 23rd GOF battalions are based in Sabah's interior Keningau and its east coast district Kunak, and in Sarawak's Sri Aman, respectively. This brings the total number of GOF battalions nationwide to 23, with a combined strength of around 12,000 personnel. Saifuddin Nasution said the new battalions will enhance the GOF's elite operational capacity across land, sea and air. 'These troops are highly trained. Their recent successes, including multi-billion ringgit seizures under operations like Op Hazard and E-Waste, speak volumes,' he said. The minister also spoke of the government's commitment to ensuring a conducive working environment through budget allocations for improved welfare, office infrastructure and accommodation. 'A well-trained team with poor living conditions and inadequate assets will still be limited. 'So, we are also investing in new equipment and facilities, most of which will be rolled out this year,' he said. On Malaysia's security performance, Saifuddin Nasution said the country's standing in the Global Peace Index is currently in 10th place among more than 160 countries. 'This is no coincidence. It is the result of strategic planning and uncompromising security policies. 'It is also crucial for investor confidence. Safety remains a key metric for any country hoping to attract foreign investments.' Saifuddin Nasution also said the government has approved the development of eight GOF posts, seven in Sarawak and one in Sabah, along the Malaysia-Kalimantan border with an allocation of RM32mil. He said the construction of administrative complexes and staff quarters at Battalion 20 GOF in Beluran, Sabah, and Battalion 10 GOF in Sarikei, Sarawak, is underway. These projects, valued at RM400mil and RM200mil respectively, are expected to be completed within the year. He also announced that the GOF will replace its current operational uniforms with new camouflage attire featuring improved design, colour and pattern.
The Star
18-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
New GOF battalions bolster Sabah and Sarawak security
KOTA KINABALU: The establishment of three new General Operations Force (GOF) battalions, two in Sabah and one in Sarawak, marks a significant milestone in strengthening Malaysia's internal security preparedness, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. Dubbed the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd GOF battalions, they are based in Sabah's interior Keningau, its east coast district Kunak, and Sarawak's Sri Aman, bringing the total number of GOF battalions nationwide to 23, with a combined strength of around 12,000 personnel. "The significance of today's launch lies in reaffirming the Royal Malaysia Police's unwavering commitment to its core duty, safeguarding national security and public order," said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. Speaking at the launching of the three battalions at the Sabah GOF Brigade in Papar on Sunday (May 18), he stressed three key aspects of the launch: the readiness of the police force to respond to any security threats, the government's continued investment in personnel welfare and operational facilities, and Malaysia's improved ranking in the Global Peace Index. "First, this confirms our force's state of preparedness for any scenario. We must always be alert, especially in light of past incidents such as the 2013 Lahad Datu incursion," he said, referring to the security crisis in eastern Sabah over a decade ago. Home Minister Datuk Seri SaifuddinNasution Ismail at the launching of 21st General Operations Force (GOF) Battalion Keningau, the 22nd Battalion Kunak, and 23rd Battalion Sri Aman at the Sabah GOF Brigade in Papar on Sunday (May 18). Saifuddin noted that the new battalions enhance the GOF's elite operational capacity across land, sea, and air domains. "These troops are highly trained. Their recent successes, including multi-billion ringgit seizures under operations like Op Hazard and E-Waste, speak volumes," he said. Secondly, the Home Minister stressed the government's commitment to ensuring a conducive working environment through budget allocations for improved welfare, office infrastructure, and accommodation. "A well-trained team with poor living conditions and inadequate assets will still be limited. So, we are also investing in new equipment and facilities, most of which will be rolled out this year," he said. On Malaysia's security performance, Saifuddin noted that the country's standing in the Global Peace Index, currently ranked 10th among more than 160 countries. "This is no coincidence. It is the result of strategic planning and uncompromising security policies. It's also crucial for investor confidence. Safety remains a key metric for any country hoping to attract foreign investment," he said. Of the 23 battalions, seven are located in Sabah, four in Sarawak, with the remainder in Peninsular Malaysia. Saifuddin explained that the placement of battalions was based on strategic assessments by police leadership. Home Minister Datuk Seri SaifuddinNasution Ismail (centre) posed for a group photo at the launching of 21st General Operations Force (GOF) Battalion Keningau, the 22nd Battalion Kunak, and 23rd Battalion Sri Aman at the Sabah GOF Brigade in Papar on Sunday (May 18). "It is not about why Keningau was chosen over Alor Setar or anywhere else. It is about the GOF's national responsibility. The Global Peace Index measures Malaysia as a whole, not Keningau or Kudat in isolation," he explained. He also stressed the need for the GOF to embrace technological advancement to meet evolving security challenges. "Security threats today are more complex. Our personnel must be equipped with knowledge in areas such as artificial intelligence. At the Home Ministry, our tagline is 'AI for KDN, KDN for AI'. Capability building cannot remain static," he said. Earlier in his speech, Saifuddin said the government has approved the development of eight General Operations Force (GOF) posts, seven in Sarawak and one in Sabah, along the Malaysia-Kalimantan border, with an allocation of RM32mil. He added that the construction of administrative complexes and staff quarters at Battalion 20 GOF in Beluran, Sabah, and Battalion 10 GOF in Sarikei, Sarawak, is underway. These projects, valued at RM400mil and RM200mil respectively, are expected to be completed within the year. Saifuddin also announced that the GOF will replace its current operational uniforms with new camouflage attire that offers improved design, colour, and pattern. The upgrade aims to enhance the force's image and identity while ensuring greater comfort, suitability, and functionality for its paramilitary personnel. He said that a total of RM88.5mil was approved in 2023 and 2024 for maintenance works and equipment procurement at GOF posts nationwide. This includes the provision of improved facilities and infrastructure to support the efficiency and welfare of frontline personnel. Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, RM103mil was allocated to the GOF for infrastructure upgrades, post improvements, and asset procurement, including the enhancement of temporary deployments for the newly launched 21st, 22nd, and 23rd Battalions.
Daily Express
11-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
‘Repair instead of replace' advice: How Sabahans can reduce and upcycle e-waste materials
Published on: Sunday, May 11, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 11, 2025 By: Audrey J Ansibin Text Size: The Sabah Computer Society team with some of the e-waste items during the collection drive, recently. (Pic: SCS) MALAYSIA'S rapid digitalisation is inadvertently contributing to the rising electronic waste (e-waste) crisis. The status symbol of having the latest gadgets coupled with corporations' Planned Obsolescence practice are driving the rise in prematurely discarded e-waste materials into landfills and dumpsites across the country. News portals were recently abuzz with nationwide crackdown on illegal e-waste sites, dubbed the 'Op Hazard', which involved the police and Department of Environment (DoE), among other agencies. The raids saw RM3.8 billion worth of materials seized from illegal e-waste processing sites. Portals like MM and FMT reported that based on consumers' spending habits, the country is expected to generate some 24.5 million units of e-waste this year. At State-level, the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) on April 10 announced a strategic partnership with a non-governmental organisation and two private companies to address the matter. The MoU signing ceremony between DBKK, Marine Research Foundation (MRF), Legenda Bumimas Sdn Bhd (LBSB) and My Protech Sdn Bhd (Arus Oil) will overlook issues like floating plastic bottles in the sea, discarded cooking oil and the rise in e-waste including the deployment of a specialised mechanical boat (skimmer boat) to collect waste from coastal waters. At the event, LBSB Managing Director, Datuk Tan Pek Chian, reportedly said the State needs to have more e-waste collection centres. 'Currently, there are no recovery facilities in Sabah. Most of the time, what we are able to do is manual dismantling to properly sort out the plastic, scrap metal and Printed Circuit Board (PCB),' he was quoted as saying. Daily Express reached out to a non-governmental organisation (NGO) Sabah Computer Society (SCS) and the founder of an environment-friendly social enterprise LJD Corporation to get their take on how Sabahans can help reduce the number of e-waste materials being discarded annually. On the State government's recent announcement to tackle sea trash and e-waste, SCS Exco member-cum-organising chairperson for e-waste collection, Walter Cheng, calls it a 'very good initiative'. 'We have been collaborating with DBKK and DoE in all our e-waste collection events for many years. We started collaborating with Lagenda Bumimas Sdn Bhd in 2023. 'I can see that they (State government) are doing their best to keep our State clean and safe. We will also support our State government in the effort of reducing e-waste. Hopefully, these efforts can lead to a cleaner and safer environment,' Walter said. The society is a NGO that promotes ICT and electronic waste awareness in Sabah. 'We have been doing e-waste collection events for many years. Our aim is to create awareness among the public on e-waste recycling and the proper ways to dispose of e-waste,' Walter said, adding that their role is to organise collection events in collaboration with DoE, DBKK and Lagenda Bumimas. Rest of the interview with SCS: DE: What are some of the initiatives you have with the State government (i.e. DBKK)? Sabah Computer Society (SCS): DBKK provides us the venue to carry out our e-waste collection activities while DoE provides us support to run such events. DE: How often do you do e-waste collection events? Any advice to the general public on how they can help lessen the impact of e-waste on the environment in the State? SCS: Basically, we do it twice a year. But, of course, we will try to do more. There are several ways to help lessen the impact of e-waste on the environment. People can repair instead of replace. If an electronic device breaks down, try to repair it rather than buying a new one. Many small electronics can be fixed with minimal cost. Use certified e-waste recycling centres. When you can no longer use a device, ensure it gets recycled properly by taking it to certified e-waste recycling facilities which we (Sabah Computer Society) are collaborating with Lagenda Bumimas Sdn Bhd. These centres are equipped to handle harmful materials like lead, mercury and cadmium safely. Last but not least, choose energy-efficient products with labels (like Energy Star) to reduce both energy consumption and the lifecycle environmental impact. DE: How would you rate e-waste awareness among Sabahans on a scale of 1-10 (one being worst, 10 being best)? SCS: Probably around eight. DE: What is the difference between e-waste collection site and e-waste processing site? SCS: The difference is that for a collection site, we can only do collections and cannot dismantle the waste that is collected whereas the processing site is the factory that can dismantle and process the electronic waste. In Sabah, Lagenda Bumimas Sdn Bhd carry out the process of recycling e-waste. Their factories are based in Telipok. Millennial upcycles e-waste materials into tourism products Meanwhile, LJD Corporation founder Saila Saidie, who was recently featured in the Shell LiveWIRE entrepreneurship programme, expressed her pleasant surprise to learn about such initiatives from the State government. Her organisation's mission aims to transform plastic waste, which can take up to 500 years to decompose, into innovative tourism products and strives to mitigate the environmental impact of plastic waste while driving socio-economic development in the State. Besides plastic waste, Saila and her team also come across discarded e-waste materials like failed 3D prints at the Kayu Madang landfill, which they skilfully upcycle into reusable tourism products. 'In Sabah, more public education is needed. While some awareness campaigns exist, many people are still unaware of the dangers of e-waste and how to dispose of it responsibly,' she said in an interview. When asked to explain e-waste in laymen's terms, she said: 'E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to discarded electronic devices like laptops, mobile phones and home appliances. 'These items contain various toxic components, including heavy metals and plastics, which, if not disposed of properly, can release harmful substances into the environment. 'For example, PVC plastic, commonly used in cable insulation and older electronic casings, is difficult to recycle due to toxic additives. When burned, it releases carcinogenic dioxins, which pose severe health risks to humans and wildlife.' She also spoke about the authorities' recent nationwide crackdown on illegal e-waste sites that are reportedly linked to international syndicates. How do these syndicates benefit from illegal operations? 'These syndicates profit by extracting valuable metals such as gold, silver and copper from e-waste using unsafe methods. 'The illegal operations often exploit cheap labour in developing countries, exposing workers to hazardous substances without proper safety measures. 'I recall reading about a case in Teluk Panglima Garang, where authorities discovered 50 tonnes of spent bullet casings in an illegal e-waste facility. Such operations pose both environmental and security risks,' she added. Saila believes that Malaysia is facing a 'significant' e-waste crisis. 'The problem is only growing. While there are efforts to recycle and upcycle e-waste, they are not widespread enough,' she said. 'Many consumers still do not know how to properly dispose of their electronic waste, leading to improper disposal that harms the environment.' She said based on the more recent figures, reports indicate that the Sabah DoE collected some 191,636kg of e-waste materials between 2016 and 2022. 'This effort highlights the importance of proper disposal and awareness campaigns. E-waste is regulated under the Environmental Quality (Scheduled Waste) Regulations 2005. 'Improper disposal can lead to toxic chemicals leaching into the soil and water, endangering human health and biodiversity. Rest of the interview with Saila: DE: What is the best way to raise awareness about e-waste recycling? SS: Education is key. Public awareness campaigns, workshops, and community engagement programs should be actively promoted. Some businesses in Sabah are already buying broken electronics for refurbishment or recycling, and this initiative should be supported at a larger scale. Government bodies, NGOs, and social enterprises like LJD Corporation can play a crucial role in spreading awareness. DE: How does LJD Corporation contribute to e-waste recycling? Do you upcycle e-waste materials? SS: LJD Corporation focuses on plastic waste recycling, but we also address e-waste issues, especially when it intersects with plastic waste. For example, we upcycle failed 3D prints that contain electronic components. Most of the failed prints we process are made of Polylactic Acid (PLA), a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable sources like corn starch. Additionally, we have observed our beneficiaries at the Kayu Madang landfill collecting wire cables to extract copper for resale, highlighting an informal e-waste recycling economy. DE: Your organisation trains underprivileged individuals in upcycling discarded materials. What positive impact has this initiative created? SS: Our workshops and training programmes have empowered communities by providing them with alternative sources of income. For instance, we conducted a workshop for 50 youths in Kampung Puyut, Lahad Datu, teaching them how to collect and repurpose plastic waste. We also worked with SK Kitapol near Ranau, a rural school, where students learned to upcycle plastic waste using a heat press technique. However, sustaining these efforts requires continuous funding and support. We hope government agencies will step in to help expand these programs. DE: How does e-waste impact humans and the environment? SS: E-waste contains hazardous substances like lead, mercury and cadmium. When improperly disposed of, these toxins contaminate air, water, and soil, leading to health risks such as respiratory issues, neurological damage, and even cancer. Additionally, e-waste contributes to resource depletion, as valuable materials that could be recycled are lost. DE: What should consumers avoid when discarding e-waste? SS: Never throw e-waste into regular trash. Avoid burning or dismantling electronics at home, as it releases toxic chemicals. Instead, take them to certified e-waste collection points or recycling centres. DE: One of the root causes of e-waste is rapid technological innovation, leading to premature device disposal. Do you think big tech companies will change this practice? SS: This practice, known as Planned Obsolescence, is a profit-driven strategy where companies design products with limited lifespan or software compatibility to force consumers into upgrading. I have experienced this firsthand with built-in, non-replaceable batteries in laptops. However, there is hope – movements advocating for the Right to Repair and sustainable design are gaining traction. In the future, AI and emerging technology may reduce reliance on physical devices, but for now, stricter regulations and consumer awareness are essential. DE: How can consumers be more environmentally conscious before upgrading their devices? SS: Repair before replacing. Many devices can be fixed with minor repairs or battery replacements. If an upgrade is necessary, consider donating or selling the old device to extend its lifecycle. DE: As a millennial, do you think your peers are environmentally conscious regarding e-waste? SS: Some are, but many still chase the latest gadgets as status symbols. Awareness is improving, but there is still a long way to go. DE: How can this generation lead an e-waste recycling movement? SS: By taking proactive steps such as learning to repair electronics, repurposing old components, and advocating for better recycling infrastructure. Small actions, like encouraging responsible disposal within their communities, can make a big difference. DE: Does Sabah have a long way to go before recycling becomes a common practice? SS: Yes. Compared to Kuala Lumpur, where recycling habits are more established, Sabah still has a lot of ground to cover. Many people are aware of recycling but do not actively practice it. However, initiatives like Kota Kinabalu City Hall's plastic bag ban have shown positive results. For example, our beneficiaries at the Kayu Madang landfill reported seeing fewer small plastic bags since the ban was enforced. More policies like this can drive behavioural change. Those interested to learn more about Saila's environmental outreach initiatives can visit her official website at Next: Heavy metal contamination in Sabah's marine ecosystem and landfill leachate
