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New Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Science
- New Straits Times
Malaysia's coral reefs in crisis as 34.1pct declared dead
KUANTAN: Malaysia's coral reefs are rapidly vanishing, with nearly 80 per cent showing signs of bleaching and 34.1 per cent already dead due to severe damage. In total, 50.7 per cent of reefs nationwide have been affected, according to a recent comprehensive marine health assessment. The report also identified Terengganu as the worst-affected state, recording a coral mortality rate of 44.2 per cent. Terengganu is renowned for its exceptional dive spots, especially around its island marine parks. This destruction not only affects marine structures but also severely impacts the broader ocean ecosystem — including fish nurseries, coastal protection, and one of the planet's primary sources of oxygen, Utusan Malaysia reported today. The loss of coral reefs has been likened to destroying the "womb of life" in the ocean. These national treasures contribute between RM10.1 million and RM174 million annually, excluding their immense value in fisheries, ecotourism, coastal protection, pharmaceutical potential, and aesthetic importance. The 2024 Malaysian Coral Bleaching Impact Report, jointly released by Coralku and Reef Check Malaysia following surveys in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah. Professor Dr Zaidi Che Cob, Deputy Director (Development and Strategy) at the Centre for Natural and Physical Laboratory Management, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (ALAF-UKM), said that coral bleaching is not a natural phenomenon, but a global emergency that must be urgently addressed. Malaysia's coral reefs are now in a "critical" state due to severe bleaching, placing the country's marine environment at serious risk, he warned. "Coral is not merely a marine structure — it gives life, nurtures fish hatcheries, protects coasts, and contributes significantly to the world's oxygen supply. Its destruction is akin to demolishing the ocean's 'womb of life'," Zaidi said. "The coral ecosystem is vital to the Earth's blue heart. Without it, much of marine biodiversity will vanish. "These marine life forms support global fisheries, regulate the climate, produce medicines, and generate more than half of the oxygen we breathe. Yet we are now losing marine species at an alarming rate," he said. Zaidi said coral bleaching and death are the main causes, with industrial trawling and microplastics further harming marine life. The current coral bleaching signals our entry into the Anthropocene era — a geological age in which human activity has become the dominant influence on the environment and life on Earth, he said. "The Anthropocene era undoubtedly brings immense challenges to the ocean's ecological balance, especially in this country," he said. "Pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction are taking a serious toll on marine life. The scale and pace of biodiversity loss and species extinction are deeply concerning," Zaidi said.
The Sun
11-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Germany's SICK breaks ground for Senai Airport City manufacturing facility
PETALING JAYA: Senai Airport City Sdn Bhd is continuing its upward trajectory as a regional industrial hub with the groundbreaking of SICK Malaysia's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. This is a step forward not only for SICK but also for Johor's growing industrial sector, further solidifying Senai Airport City as a strategic base for high-value, innovation-driven industries. Founded in 1946, SICK AG is a provider of sensor-based applications for industrial automation. Headquartered in Waldkirch, Germany, the company operates 63 subsidiaries worldwide with more than 10,000 employees, generating a group revenue of €2.1 billion (RM10.1 billion) in 2024. With this latest investment in Johor, SICK is poised to bring cutting-edge technology, job creation and long-term industry transformation to Malaysia. 'This new facility in Malaysia is a key milestone in our global expansion, reinforcing our supply chain and supporting rising demand for sensor-based solutions across critical industries. By integrating social and training spaces, we're fostering a culture of safety, growth, and respect, empowered by Malaysia's skilled talent,' said SICK executive board members Ulrike Kahle-Roth and Nicole Kurek. SICK Malaysia managing director Suresh Sundram said the facility is designed to enhance production capabilities, improve operational efficiency and support sustainable growth in the Asia-Pacific region. He added that with its strategic location in Senai Airport City in Johor, which is close to their key markets, the new factory will play an important role in SICK's long-term success. Senai Airport City CEO Gan Seng Keong said: 'The decision by a global leader like SICK to establish its advanced manufacturing hub here is a strong endorsement of our infrastructure readiness, world-class connectivity, and strategic location.' He added that the groundbreaking of SICK's facility reflects their commitment to shaping an advanced industrial ecosystem that fosters innovation, creates high-value jobs and strengthens Johor's position as a regional economic powerhouse.
New Straits Times
24-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Iconic Worldwide wins RM10mil counterclaim in legal dispute
KUALA LUMPUR: Iconic Worldwide Bhd has secured a RM10.1 million counterclaim in a legal case involving its subsidiary, Iconic Medicare Sdn Bhd, after the Penang High Court dismissed a RM15 million claim filed by Latex Form Sdn Bhd. The court ruled on April 22 that Latex Form must pay the amount to Iconic Medicare within 21 days, along with five per cent annual interest from the date of judgment until full settlement. Latex Form was also ordered to pay RM50,000 in legal costs, the company said in statement. The case was related to a commercial dispute between the two parties and Iconic Worldwide said the outcome removes a significant material risk for the group. Separately, the court had earlier ordered CeramTec Innovative Ceramic Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd to pay RM583,800 to Iconic Medicare in another case. However, Iconic Medicare's additional claim of US$3.76 million (about RM16.52 million) in lost profits was dismissed. The company has filed an appeal. Iconic Worldwide executive chairman Datuk Seri Tan Kean Tet said the court decisions validated the group's position and would allow it to refocus on core operations and future growth.
