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New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
News@9: Today's top headlines - May 30, 2025 [WATCH]
Here are today's biggest stories. 'I'm not a dictator' Stressing the need for an all-out war against corruption, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said any prosecution related to corruption must be based on evidence, not arbitrary instructions. Police have, to date, frozen RM3.8 billion in assets in connection with an investment scam linked to Mobility Beyond Imagination. The East Coast Rail Link project, which stretches across Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor, is expected to be 90 per cent complete by year-end. RM400k for defamation Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has won RM400,000 in damages in her defamation suit against UUM lecturer Dr Kamarul Zaman Yusoff over two Facebook posts published in 2017. That's it for News@9.
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
Daily Express
03-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah SMEs get tips on acquiring grants
Published on: Saturday, May 03, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 03, 2025 By: David Thien Text Size: Isaac speaking at the seminar. DONGGONGON: Many Sabah SMEs miss out on loan funding to support local businesses due to lack of awareness or unprepared applications, a Grant Application & Fund Raising seminar was told. Speaker Isaac Leong of Ingenix Consulting taught the participants how to apply for the available grants that are not restricted to Bumiputras, and understand how to make the grant committee like their application or pitching proposals. He said it is important for potential grant applicants to even 'stalk' the websites or the official Facebook page of the relevant government agencies for the latest information on availability of grants and incentives. 'Do not use brokers or middlemen They will take 20 per cent of the grant approved, or up to RM20,000. Do it yourselves. Preparation is the key,' he said, A grant is financial aid given where the receiver need not pay back, unlike a loan. It is about using other people's money to grow your business or known as smart money. Leong advised participants how to get ready to apply for grants, how to package their business stories to be presented professionally, making their businesses stand out from others with impressive business viability, able to solve problems and provide solutions. 'Get your business plan right. It is the essence of your business, whether it can attract investors or not. There must be an impressive 'WoW' factor in your business plan's viability, which should make a positive impact in the business world,' Leong said, adding that ideas are worth nothing until someone pays for it. Speaking from his own experience, Leong said he managed to secure RM3.8 million grants within three years for his enterprises. There are facilities provided by CGC, SJPP Guarantee schemes, MDV, MDEC, Cradle, Khazanah Nasional, Malaysian Business Angel Network to SME Corp to venture capitalists besides crowd funding and etc. He noted that Tan Sri Bernard Dompok is now SME Corp chairman, which should be an advantage for eligible Sabah enterprises. 'CGC works through banks to provide guarantee for a fee for those businesses that do not have collateral to qualify for a loan.' He quipped that banks tend to lend to parties that do not urgently need loans. He opined one of the best businesses to be in today is the Ah Long or money lending business. He said banks are licensed Ah Longs who keep pushing credit cards to the public. If they don't pay, these banks are licensed to charge high 18 per cent compounding interest rates. Leong told that although he is not a Malay Muslim Bumiputera, he managed secure grants. He urged non-Bumiputras to clear away the mental roadblock, and take away the stigma that they would be discriminated against in their application for grants. 'As long as you are a Malaysia blue IC holder, you or your enterprise, partnership firm or Sdn Bhd company may apply for available grants if the qualifying criteria are met,' he said, adding his success did not involve name dropping connections, golfing, entertaining, or wining and dining activities. He revealed that common reasons as to why grant applications were not successful besides the business model, include applicants not fulfilling minimum criteria, the business presentation and idea lacking clarity, and not meeting the grant objectives. Leong guided participants using their laptops to learn how to get RM150,000 CIP Spark government grant during the seminar, which was organised by the Penampang Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCCCI). * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * 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
