Latest news with #PanglimaHajiHajijiHajiNoor
Borneo Post
04-08-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Over 60,000 union members in Sabah
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor presenting the flag to the Sabah contingent for the inaugural Sukan Pekerja (Super) that will be held in Penang this September. KOTA KINABALU (Aug 4): A total of 60,764 workers in Sabah are members of registered trade unions, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He said that the figure includes 22,317 employees from the government sector, 35,194 from the private sector, and 3,253 workers from statutory bodies. He added that there are currently 92 registered trade unions in Sabah, overseen by the Sabah Trade Union Affairs Department. These include 23 unions from the government sector, 52 from the private sector, and 16 representing statutory bodies. 'Sabah recorded a workforce of over 1.7 million people last year, and their collective contribution has driven the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) up to RM84.3 billion,' he said. 'This growth has significantly boosted GDP, particularly in critical sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, construction, mining and quarrying, and services,' he added, in his speech at the Sabah state-level Labour Day celebration, held here today. Also present at the event were Human Resources Minister, Steven Sim; Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (CUEPACS) president, Datuk Dr Adnan Mat; and Trade Union Affairs Department (JHEKS) director-general, Mohd Asri Abdul Wahab. Hajiji said that, in line with the era of globalisation and rapid technological advancement, he urged trade unions in the state to be more proactive in safeguarding the welfare of their members, through initiatives and programmes implemented at both federal and state levels. 'The role of trade unions is crucial as a key pillar in upholding social justice, and ensuring that every worker receives not only fair wages, but also access to skills development, workplace safety and health, comprehensive social security, and a conducive and prosperous working environment. He added that the Sabah government welcomes trade unions as strategic partners, and remains committed to empowering the workforce, supporting the trade union movement, and safeguarding workers' welfare. 'I believe Sabah can be a model state in Malaysia, in building an employment ecosystem which not only drives economic strength, but also consistently upholds the rights of workers,' he said. He also advised union leaders in Sabah who will be participating in the National-Level Trade Union Assembly in Penang on September 6 to use the opportunity to bring the voices of Sabah's workers to the national stage.
Borneo Post
25-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
CM: Sabah a new sailing destination
Joniston mingles with the sailors during the Dalit Bay Nautica Carnival 2025 event in Tuaran today. TUARAN: The presence of more than 100 sailors and 29 yachts from 16 countries for the Dalit Bay Nautica event is proof that Sabah is now being recognised and appreciated globally as a sailing destination, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. He expressed hope that nautical tourism such as this will soon become one of the main tourist attractions or activities in the state. 'Sabah offers a variety of sailing experiences and in fact, there is strong potential to become a sailing destination given our beautiful and pristine beaches. 'I believe nautical tourism or recreational sailing activities have the potential to attract more visitors to Sabah, and in turn, generate economic spillovers for the local communities. 'Therefore, we need to seize the prospects of sailing activities given the state's strategic location with its natural advantages and many waterways. Just like Dalit Beach, with its stunning coastline, rich cultural diversity, and strategic location facing the South China Sea, this area holds great potential to become a world-class tourism destination,' he said. He said this when officiating the Dalit Bay Nautica 2025 event here today. His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. The Chief Minister said the event will also help to boost tourism, promote cultural heritage and stimulate economic activity in the state. 'This will definitely put Sabah on the global coastal map and is a good indicator of growth in the state's tourism sector. Without a doubt, this event will further diversify our tourism offerings and help us achieve our target of 3.5 million tourist arrivals to Sabah this year. 'As the second-largest state in Malaysia, Sabah has everything to offer — from deep seas to towering mountains. This makes Sabah one of the world-class tourism destinations. 'The beauty and richness of our flora and fauna, and the wonders of nature such as our oceans, islands, mountain ranges, and forest reserves are natural treasures enjoyed and admired by many,' he said.
Borneo Post
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sabah to regulate Semporna tourism activities for marine biodiversity
SEMPORNA (July 24): The State Government will ensure that tourism activities in Semporna are well-regulated and do not disrupt marine biodiversity but providing benefits and advantages to the people of Sabah. This is in line with the focus on exploring, promoting and supporting the Blue Economy, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. However, he said conservation efforts needed strong support from all quarters, including government agencies, the private sector, NGOs, the local community, and the people of Sabah in general. 'I urge that we continue to protect Sabah's natural wealth so that the current and future generations will continue to experience and enjoy the benefits and advantages of these natural resources,' he said during the World Biodiversity Day celebrations at the Dewan Arena Belia here today. The Chief Minister's speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan. Hajiji added that the State Government, on its part, would continue to implement development programmes that emphasise green sustainability by prioritising the responsible use and management of natural resources, as well as ensuring environmental protection, social well-being, and economic growth for future generations. He also said the approval of the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025 at the recent State Assembly sitting had positioned Sabah as the nation's leader in environmental conservation and resilience against climate change. He said the implementation of the Enactment would ensure the involvement of Sabah's native community and their rights are protected through the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure. 'I wish to emphasise that the Sabah State Government is committed to protecting and preserving the state's natural resources, biodiversity and ecosystem,' he said. He said the celebration's theme, 'Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development', is meaningful and underscored the crucial roles both elements play in preserving the health of the planet, enhancing human well-being and ensuring a sustainable future. 'This theme is also timely and serves as a reminder to humanity, especially the people of Sabah, not to be complacent when carrying out development activities without considering the sustainability of biodiversity, the well-being of animals, plants and ecosystems that bring benefits to our lives,' he said. 'By ensuring that nature is protected and valued, we not only safeguard biodiversity but also secure economic and social well-being for current and future generations. 'This concept aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Sabah Biodiversity Strategy 2024–2034. At the same time, today's celebration and theme also reflect the aspirations of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda, which is fundamentally anchored in promoting green practices and supporting sustainable development,' he said. Hajiji said that Sabah is the first state in Malaysia to actively implement the Blue Economy concept under the SMJ development agenda. Through this initiative, the Sabah State Government sees the potential to implement Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) in the Tawau waters as a source of renewable energy, he said. 'In addition, the Sabah Biodiversity Centre and Yayasan Petronas, in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), are also actively carrying out the Seaweed Mapping Project across Sabah. Well done!' he said. He also assured that in line with the focus on exploring, promoting, and supporting the Blue Economy,
Borneo Post
21-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Scholarship for foundation, matriculation and A-level students too
Joyce KOTA KINABALU (July 21): The Sabah State Scholarship (BKNS) is offering scholarships to students pursuing foundation, matriculation and A-level studies beginning this year, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. 'Apart from that, the scholarship allowance for all sponsored students currently studying in public and private universities will also be standardised. 'This initiative is part of BKNS's ongoing commitment to support the development of education in the state to ensure that more promising students gain access to higher education,' he said. Speaking at the Sabah Excellence Scholarship Award presentation ceremony at the Sabah International Convention Centre here today, the Chief Minister said this year, the State Government has allocated the highest amount for scholarships compared to previous years. 'From only RM50 million in 2020, the BKNS allocation has continued to increase year by year over the past five years, reaching RM136 million in 2025. 'This marks an increase of RM86 million from 2019, reflecting the State Government's commitment to supporting the education of Sabah's children,' he said. Azhar The Chief Minister said the State Government has made significant investments to implement various initiatives in the development of education in the state benefiting a total of 13,550 students from 2021 to 2024. Meanwhile, he noted that the Yayasan Sabah Group's commitment was evident, with an allocation of RM67.17 million for the education sector last year, benefiting 3,234 students. It represented a significant increase of 148.96 per cent compared to only RM26.98 million in 2020, he said, adding that some 10,104 recipients benefited from the Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS) that he had launched in June 2022, involving a total expenditure of RM15.8 million. He said that through the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (MUIS) Zakat and Fitrah Division, more than 48,000 students across Sabah have benefited over the past five years, with a total expenditure of RM92.4 million. Hajiji said the initiative will help to improve the education standards of Sabah's children and support the development of quality human capital. He also reiterated that, in line with efforts to strengthen and diversify education aid initiatives in the state, various types of assistance have been implemented through the office of the Deputy State Secretary (Special Task). This year alone, he said, a total of RM77.5 million has been allocated to fund 14 educational assistance initiatives, among them were the One-Off IPT Registration Cash Aid (BUDI); Computer Assistance Initiative (BAIK); Sabah Student Flight Ticket Assistance (GRS-SUBFLY); and SENTOSA – aid for students in local higher learning institutes. These education assistance initiatives were also supported by agencies such as the Yayasan Kebajikan Sabah and the Sabah Baitulmal Corporation, he said. Hajiji said the various educational assistance initiatives provided through different departments and agencies reflected the State Government's strong commitment to safeguarding the welfare and future of Sabah's children. 'We will continue to ensure that the people's well-being is always protected and given due attention, regardless of their background. To our youth, study diligently and strive for greater excellence. 'Explore professional fields such as oil, gas and energy, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), as well as Artificial Intelligence (AI), to produce highly skilled and quality individuals from Sabah across various sectors,' he said. Hajiji hoped that this award would serve as a strong motivation for the students to excel further and at the same time, help elevate the name of Sabah on the national and international stage. 'I would also like to remind all recipients not to let this award become a reason for complacency. Instead, let it be an aspiration to continue striving for excellence, in support of the Sabah Maju Jaya agenda and the national Madani vision. 'Students who receive this excellent scholarship award carry a greater responsibility and trust in the future. This includes being exemplary role models to their peers, not easily influenced by sentiments, excessive rhetoric, or matters that could ultimately harm our state and country,' he said. Among the scholarship recipients was Joyce Nicole Nicholas Mojugit, who is currently studying Foundation in Science at UiTM Dengkil, Selangor. 'This scholarship will ease my family's burden — from tuition fees to accommodation, airfare, and food,' said the former SMK Bahang Penampang student, who scored 9As in the SPM. She expressed her gratitude, sharing that her mother, a single parent raising three children, was extremely proud. 'I didn't even apply for this scholarship. I was in the middle of applying for the BKNS (State Government Scholarship) when my counselling teacher told me I had been selected,' she said. Joyce described her university experience as positive and shared advice for this year's SPM candidates: 'Make sure to get enough sleep. It's hard to focus without rest. All-nighters aren't sustainable — rest well to do well.' Another recipient, Azhar Azlin, who is pursuing foundation studies at Universiti Malaya and is a former SMK Majakir Papar student, said he felt deeply honoured. 'It makes all the hard work worth it. I'm thankful to my parents for their prayers and to my teachers. I know they're proud, even if they don't show it directly — I can feel it,' he said. Azhar also offered advice to other students, including his younger siblings: 'Have a purpose in your heart for why you're going to school, and never forget it. My motto has always been: 'Aim for the skies, so if you fall, it'll be on the mountaintops.'
Borneo Post
20-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah's economic development now on solid foundations
Sabah was named the Most Outstanding State in Malaysia for the Year 2024 in conjunction with the ASEAN International Business Review (IBR) Awards Ceremony organised by IBR at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here on Saturday Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, representing the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, received the award, which was presented by the Chief Judge of the awards, Datuk Seri Azman Ujang. This recognition was based on an evaluation by a panel of professional judges comprising prominent figures from various fields, supported by data from a comprehensive assessment carried out by expert advisors. KOTA KINABALU (July 20): The present State Government has firmly anchored Sabah's vision and roadmaps for a robust economic development on solid foundations, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. He said that for the last five years, the State Government has been creating a new Sabah, strong and united, and inviting the world to leverage the state's natural wealth and treasures to build better lives for its people. 'Our riches are manifold – from minerals such as gold, copper, silica, palm oil, cocoa and multiple energy resources such as crude petroleum, gas, hydroelectricity, coal and more. 'Our oceans benevolently give us the abundance of some of the most sought-after seafood delicacies and thermal energy while maintaining pristine and untouched coral reefs,' he said at the International Business Review (IBR) ASEAN Awards at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here on Saturday night. State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun delivered his speech. Hajiji said Sabah had sealed the Commercial Collaborative Agreement with Petronas, allowing the state to have more participation and more say in the oil and gas industry in Sabah itself. 'We now have 50 per cent equity from the Samarang oil and gas field, 25 per cent equity from Samur, and on 17 July 2025, we signed an agreement with Petronas to acquire a 25 per cent equity in the USD3.1 billion floating liquefied natural gas (ZLNG), also known as PFLNG 3, a shore based US$3.1 billion LNG investment in Sipitang,' he said. 'On the investment front, our hard work paid off when Sabah recorded RM17.41 billion from 73 companies in overall approved foreign and domestic investments in the manufacturing sector since September 2020. 'Of these 73 companies, 52 have already set up businesses in the state with a total investment of RM7.8 billion, creating 3,636 jobs,' he said. Between 2022 and 2024, the Chief Minister stated that Sabah has received new investment proposals worth an additional RM42.3 billion, which will create 32,996 jobs. He said the three-phase RM31 billion Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn Bhd launched at the end of June this year is set to create a ripple effect extending beyond green technology to spur innovation, drive benefits for businesses and communities in Sabah. Hajiji said that due to high demand from investors, the State Government has approved three new industrial parks in Kota Belud, Beaufort and in the north, Kudat for the Blue Economy Industrial Park – all strategically located to grow investment opportunities. 'We are confident this development bodes well for Sabah as the state progresses in its journey to explore new horizons to realise the state's full potential. 'Sabah will always remain investor-friendly, and we have implemented policies to attract more investors here. We are committed to creating a conducive space that nurtures investments and fosters collaboration. 'We understand the importance of creating a stable, transparent, and supportive environment for investments to flourish,' he said. 'We welcome more direct connectivity so that investors, tourists and business travellers have easy access to Sabah. AirAsia's new Kota Kinabalu-Taipei-Fukuoka route is one example that would benefit both the tourism and investment sectors, and we look forward to many more opening up in the near future,' he said. Hajiji said that one industry that will be a game changer and offer immense investment opportunities for Sabah is the Blue Economy, which has been established in Kudat. 'This sector is estimated to yield 491,000 metric tons of marine harvests such as fish and prawns annually, with a value of RM3.25 billion. But, there is more to Blue Economy than just deep-sea harvesting,' he said. In fact, 14 components of the Blue Economy can be explored, such as renewable ocean energy, blue carbon, tourism, maritime transport, and marine biotechnology, among others, he said. On ocean energy, the Chief Minister said one of the most exciting is the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), which harnesses energy from our oceans. 'OTEC power plants are currently being planned to span 500km of coastline and, in time, to be able to generate 20,000MW of green energy, an unprecedented scale globally. This is not only a gamechanger for the country, it's a gamechanger for the region,' he said. Hajiji said that as far as power supply is concerned, the State Government has launched the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040, which is expected to generate 700MW in the next 1-2 years to meet the needs of investors and citizens. Likewise, he said RM679.85 million has been allocated in 2024 to address immediate water shortages, and long-term plans include the completion of the Ulu Padas hydropower project, which has a daily release capacity of 6,000 million litres of water. Hajiji said Sabah has also invested substantially in human capital development, with close to RM1 billion spent on education as well as on various youth development programmes from 2021 to 2024.
