Latest news with #PestaLabukBeluran2025
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Hajiji puts trust in Beluran trio ahead of polls
Hajiji, accompanied by Samad, officiated the handover of land grants for the Beluran district at the launch ceremony of the 2025 Labuk Festival on Saturday. BELURAN (Aug 16): With the 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17) on the horizon, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor has called on voters in Beluran to rally behind Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), emphasising the importance of political stability and continuity in driving long-term development. Addressing a crowd during the launch of Pesta Labuk Beluran 2025 on Saturday, Hajiji said he was confident that GRS would retain all three state seats in the district namely Telupid, Sugut and Labuk, in the upcoming polls. 'We're nearing five years of administration. The election isn't far off, and I want all three constituencies in Beluran to be won by GRS. Support the candidates from our coalition,' he urged. The Chief Minister also cautioned the public against being misled by what he described as slander and misinformation propagated by the opposition. 'Don't be too quick to believe their accusations and lies. Every day, they manufacture slander, even while sleeping, they are dreaming up falsehoods,' he remarked. He stressed that the people should remain focused on the progress and development achieved under GRS, instead of being distracted by divisive narratives. 'We must move forward. Let's not allow these malicious tactics to derail our unity or the future we're building,' he said. Hajiji expressed strong confidence in the re-election prospects of GRS assemblymen Datuk Samad Jambri (Labuk), Datuk James Ratib (Sugut) and Datuk Jonnybone Kurum (Telupid), praising their work on the ground and dedication to their constituents. 'InsyaAllah, after the election, GRS will continue to lead the government. Samad will win again here in Labuk. James and Jonnybone too. We must unite to ensure they succeed,' Hajiji said. Samad has been the state assemblyman for Labuk since 2020. A member of Gagasan Rakyat, a key party in the GRS coalition, he has played an active role in rural infrastructure development and economic empowerment programmes in the district. He currently serves as the Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister. James is the current Minister of Community Development and People's Wellbeing. Formerly with Umno, he joined Gagasan Rakyat and has since been a vocal advocate for healthcare access, social welfare and native land rights. Meanwhile, Jonnybone represents Telupid and is aligned with Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), one of the founding components of GRS. Touching on long-standing land issues, Hajiji also called on Yayasan Sabah to review claims by villagers who have occupied foundation-owned land for decades. 'They've been living there for generations. If possible, we should allocate this land as village reserve. We are a caring government, and we want our people to have certainty in their livelihoods,' he said. He stressed that the state government must prioritise resolving land tenure issues affecting informal settlers and rural communities to ensure long-term stability and development.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Pesta Labuk Beluran 2025 celebrates culture, unity and economic renewal
Hajiji performs a gimmick launch of the 2025 Labuk Festival in Beluran on Saturday. BELURAN (Aug 16): The inaugural Pesta Labuk Beluran 2025 was officially launched on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in promoting cultural heritage, fostering community spirit and driving economic growth in rural Sabah. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, who officiated the celebration at the FAMA Tamu, said the event served as a platform to honour local traditions while empowering communities. 'This festival not only showcases the cultural richness of our people but also nurtures a spirit of unity. The collective effort demonstrated here today must be emulated to preserve our heritage for generations to come,' he said. Hajiji affirmed the state government's commitment to embracing cultural diversity, which he described as Sabah's strength. In conjunction with the festival, Hajiji also launched the Sabah Cockle Industry and Resource Development Project at the Muara Jetty in Beluran. The project follows a successful pilot in Tuaran and aims to position Beluran as a model for sustainable aquaculture in the region. Spanning 1,300 hectares, the initiative will involve 650 household heads in systematic blood cockle cultivation. It is projected to produce 3,240 metric tonnes annually, with an estimated market value of RM34.4 million and potential returns up to seven times the investment. 'This is a community-driven initiative that not only generates income and jobs but also preserves our marine ecosystem,' he said, acknowledging support from SEDIA, the Department of Fisheries Malaysia and the Sabah Fisheries Department. During the event, Hajiji handed over 180 Native Title (NT) land grants to villagers from Kolapis, Pulau Klagan and Sapi, covering 297.83 hectares. 'This reflects the government's commitment to ensuring rural communities enjoy secure land ownership and long-term well-being,' he added. He proposed that Pesta Labuk be included in the state's tourism calendar to attract more visitors and create economic spillover for the local population. 'The uniqueness of Labuk's cultural elements such as the Titik Tungkil traditional music, Magalai Labuk dance and Sabung Labuk traditional attire are treasures we must continue to preserve and promote,' he said. In response to local requests, the Chief Minister approved the construction of a tourism jetty and road connecting Kampung Air Beluran, while directing Yayasan Sabah to review longstanding village land claims involving foundation-owned land.
