Latest news with #Sabah-born
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
IGNIS 3R technology to remediate landfills
Published on: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 22, 2025 By: Nikko Fabian Text Size: Joachim and others at the project site. SANDAKAN: Sabah's long-standing struggle with legacy landfill sites is entering a new chapter. Deputy Chief Minister Il Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam said the State Government has launched a comprehensive rehabilitation project at the Sg Sibuga landfill, employing cutting-edge IGNIS 3R technology. 'This initiative represents a significant shift towards sustainable and environmentally responsible waste management,' said Joachim, who is also State Local Government and Housing it Minister. He said the rehabilitation goes beyond simply addressing a long-standing problem. 'It's a strategic investment in Sabah's future.' He highlighted the significant health, safety and land-use impacts of these neglected sites, calling them a 'legacy burden' that has plagued the State for years. 'The choice of technology was carefully considered, rejecting less suitable options like incinerators and waste-to-energy plants due to cost, logistical and feasibility concerns,' he said. Joachim stressed the importance of a long-term solution, avoiding quick fixes that would burden future generations. The selection of IGNIS 3R, a technology championed by Sabah-born CEO Dr Davina Markus of SG Ignis (Sabah) Sdn Bhd, underscores the Government's commitment to local talent and innovation. Joachim also expressed pride in empowering Sabahans to lead a world-class initiative. The technology's ability to remediate old landfills without the need for waste sorting, open burning, or leaving behind soil contaminants, was a key factor in its selection. While acknowledging it's not a perfect system, Joachim presented it as the best available solution. The project's success hinges on collaboration, he said, and also called for full support from local authorities, technical departments and the community to position the Sg Sibuga project as a model for future waste management initiatives across Sabah. 'This strategic investment reflects the Sabah Government's commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable development, showcasing a proactive approach to addressing long-standing environmental challenges. ' The event was attended by key figures, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Dr Jamili Nais, Sandakan Municipal Council President Walter Kinson and State Assembly members. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * 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
The Star
07-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Pianist Angie hits all the right notes in muay thai world
KOTA KINABALU: Angie Yan Jia Chi (pic) is proving to be Malaysia's shining jewel in the world of muay thai. With multiple gold medals and international accolades, the Sabah-born fighter has carved a name for herself and she's not done dazzling just yet. Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters. RM12.33/month RM8.63/month Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters. Free Trial For new subscribers only
The Star
01-07-2025
- The Star
Time to explore the undiscovered wonders of Timor-Leste
When travelling to a foreign land, perhaps one of the more exciting things that could occur is unexpectedly meeting someone hailing from your homeland. For Malaysians visiting Timor-Leste, the possibility of this is quite likely. The Malaysian diaspora here may not be the largest, but it is sizeable enough that you may just bump into a fellow countryman. This is especially so in the capital city, Dili, set in the municipality of the same name. The Embassy of Malaysia in Timor-Leste records 150 Malaysians currently registered with it, as well as a total of 260 Malaysian-owned businesses. Some can even be seen in the short film Tabah Di Timor: Untold Stories Of Malaysians In Timor-Leste . This 2024 production by the embassy highlights the lives of these Malaysians, some of whom have called the small nation home long before it was christened 'Timor-Leste' – it only adopted this name after gaining independence in 2002. Among the featured Malaysians are Yong Pow Sang, 63, and Masrah Hulka, 44. The married couple relocated to the youngest country in South-East Asia 22 years ago. 'We were seeking new opportunities,' said Masrah. Personally, the connection I have with the Sabah-born chef extends beyond just sharing the same home country and state – we also hail from the same district! Talk about a small world. We met one fateful day when our little Malaysian convoy stepped into her restaurant for teatime. Our conversation revealed that she rarely returned to Papar, our shared hometown, as she and Yong – who hails from Kuala Lumpur – had been focused on building their businesses in Timor-Leste. Her restaurant, which she bestowed with her own moniker ('Gia', another name she goes by), serves familiar dishes to Malaysians missing the taste of home. From roti jala and kuih kasturi to fried rice and noodles, everything pairs well with a comforting cup of frothy tea. Bridging two nations Understandably, the lack of direct connectivity between Malaysia and Timor-Leste makes going home regularly a hassle for not just Masrah and Yong, but also other Malaysians residing in the island nation. However, the recent launch of Batik Air's flight from KL to Dili might just make balik kampung much easier for everyone. Being the first Malaysian carrier to serve the route, Batik Air currently operates two flights weekly from KL International Airport Terminal 1. 'It was Datuk Amarjit Sarjit Singh's (ambassador of Malaysia to Timor-Leste) words and actions that made this scheduled service a reality,' said Batik Air CEO Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy. This refers to the fact that Batik Air operated several charter flights between KL and Dili during the Covid-19 pandemic, which were eventually paused. However, Amarjit Sarjit was unwavering in his efforts to resume connectivity between the two nations. 'Looking to the future, Batik Air is excited to play a long-term role in supporting Timor-Leste's connectivity and growth. We are not simply adding a new destination to our network; we are building meaningful bridges that we hope will contribute to shared progress in the years to come,' Chandran added. Courtesy of Batik Air Malaysia and the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Timor-Leste, several Malaysian media had the chance to experience the inaugural flight on June 6 and spend the weekend discovering the little nation's vast wonders. Taking off around 2.15am from KL, our flight landed 10 minutes ahead of the scheduled 7.30am arrival time. The flight typically takes approximately four hours and 15 minutes. Dili is one hour ahead of KL. Bleary-eyed as we pulled onto the apron at the Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, we were jolted to our senses when strong blasts of water suddenly pelted the aircraft. We looked out to see fire trucks, one on each side of our Boeing 737, generously 'hosing down' the plane for its traditional water salute. Day on the island Why rush when you can revel in the moment? While Dili exudes the same laid-back nature, nowhere is this relaxed lifestyle more apparent than on Atauro. The island is accessible via ferry services. The big ferry costs US$4 (RM17) but the journey will take about three hours longer. The smaller ferry, though costing more at US$10-12 (RM43-51) per person, is relatively faster. Yes, the US dollar is the official currency in Timor-Leste. Ferries dock at Beloi Pier, the only port on Atauro Island. Based on our experience with the smaller vessel, it took roughly 90 minutes from the Dili Port to the Beloi Pier. (Our tip: Come prepared with motion sickness remedies. Choppy waters led to seasickness for quite a number of passengers.) Snorkelling and scuba diving are some of the activities typically done on Atauro, but the high-water conditions that sunny Saturday did not permit these. Still, we had fun exploring the island's villages in pickup trucks, trying not to suffocate as clouds of dust bloomed whenever another vehicle passed by our 'open-air transportation' on the dry dirt road. Congregating at Barry's Place, we had a buffet lunch that included ketupat (a staple in Timor-Leste) and ikan bakar. Seafood is prevalent in the local diet as it is easily obtainable. We did not stay overnight on the island, but if you wish to, you can book a stay at one of the thatched-roof chalets at Barry's Place. Our ferry was scheduled to leave at 2pm. In the island's true unhurried fashion, it only departed an hour and a half later. No matter – it gave us plenty of time to continue lounging on the beach. There was also the fish market to wander around. Amid the stalls of dried fish and freshly caught ones, we spotted a few stands selling clothes and groceries. One thing we didn't spot was stalls selling roosters. But they must have existed somewhere, because some of the locals boarded the ferry later carrying live roosters in boxes. Lovely Dili Even if you don't get to go to Atauro, Dili itself is brimming with littoral beauty. We were entranced by its cerulean waters from the moment we touched down. We also later learned that the city's seaside airport, though small, is historically interesting in that it predates the young country by well over six decades. It was built during the Portuguese colonisation prior to World War II. A great viewing point for fully appreciating the beauty of Dili's coastline is at one of its main attractions, Cristo Rei. Reaching the 27m-tall statue on Fatucama Hill requires hiking up at least 500 steps. Some say 600, while others feel like it is an infinite number of steps. We would've counted, but we were too busy taking in the views (and catching our breath). More than just a tourist attraction, Cristo Rei is religiously significant for the locals. Over 90% of the country's population is Catholic. As the 14 Stations of the Cross are set along the path to the statue, Good Friday processions are held here annually. From up the hill, we marvelled at the view of coastal roads winding alongside the turquoise waters and white sand of Areia Branca Beach – aptly named, as its appellation means 'white sand' in Portuguese. Portuguese is one of the official languages here. The other is Tetum or Tetun, with Tetun-Dili being the most common variation spoken by the locals. Our lovely guides – Luis, Erni and Firda – from Manny Timor Tours taught us Tetun words like maun and mana , the equivalent of respectfully addressing someone as 'brother' or 'sister'. Diak ka lae? A local might enquire. That's basically 'how are you?'; reply with diak (good) or la diak (not good). Communicating is no issue for Malaysian tourists, since the locals also speak English as well as Bahasa Indonesia, which is similar enough to our national language. The latter is more widely spoken, especially by those who received their education during Indonesia's occupation (1975-1999). Speaking of the occupation, gain a better understanding of Timor-Leste's history by visiting the Timorese Resistance Archive & Museum. Our stop here was short, but enough to give us insights into the Timorese people's struggle in gaining independence. We also stopped by Tais Market. As the name indicates, the marketplace focuses on tais – the country's traditional handwoven textile. It comes in many forms here, from shawls to bags and book covers. You will spot roosters tied by their feet at some of the stalls – those aren't for sale. Tais Market sells all kinds of souvenirs (but not roosters). Souvenirs in food form are harder to come by. If you've ever been to Japan and bombarded by its many daintily packaged snacks meant for gifting, expect the exact opposite in Timor-Leste. You can still purchase locally grown coffee and loose-leaf tea, but they won't be packed in single sachets that can be easily distributed back home. Beyond the city Where to get your hands on local tea and coffee? For the former, we bought some at Dili's sole shopping complex, Timor Plaza. For the latter, we ventured to the neighbouring municipality of Ermera. Up to the highlands we went. We made a quick stop at one of the villages along the way, to visit an uma lulik (sacred house). 'You must return to your own village's uma lulik for traditional ceremonies,' our guide Luis said. He stressed the importance of gathering to pray to their ancestors at these sacred buildings, which stand on stilts and are made of local timber and topped with thatched roofs. Uma lulik is a sacred house for ancestral prayers. Our journey resumed. The sun was high by the time we reached Cooperativa Cafe in Ermera. Here, we learned about coffee production and took a tour of the plantation – where other plants like cocoa and vanilla also grew. After a refreshment of coffee with a side of banana fritters, purple sweet potatoes and tapioca (the latter two paired with chopped green chillies for that extra kick), we headed to Liquica for a seaside lunch at the Alma Do Mar Resort. Fully recharged, we continued to our next destination, Aipelo Prison (alternatively spelled Ai Pelo). More precisely, it is the stone prison's ruins that still stand today. Built in the 18th century, it was decommissioned in 1939. Our attempt to glean information from the boards displayed throughout the site was not a success. The English parts on the boards had heavily faded, even more so than their Portuguese and Tetun parts. Fortunately, we had our three guides to enlighten us. Political prisoners and criminals were imprisoned in the lower half of the main building. The top half was used as an administration office. Aipelo Prison is a historical colonial era site in Liquica. This illustrates that hiring a tour guide is advisable when visiting Timor-Leste. Besides, in addition to their local knowledge, they provide something you'll inevitably need: Transportation. Microlets or mini buses are easy to come by in Dili, but they have limited reach. Renting your own car or scooter is possible for adventures beyond the city, but the roads' unfavourable conditions – some potholes are even overgrown with grass – might make you reconsider this option. Unless, of course, you're into that kind of adventure. Admittedly, we've barely scratched the surface when it comes to tourism in Timor-Leste. Our tour guides recommend at least one week to discover their country's various charms. Other places of interest include Jaco island, popular for whale-watching; Nino Konis Santana National Park, the country's first and only national park; and Mount Ramelau, the highest peak in the country. Aileu and Maubisse are also popular, especially among nature lovers and thrill seekers. Their mountainous landscapes serve as great hiking and camping spots as well as mountain biking trails. Look up videos of mountain biking in Timor-Leste and you will see why. Perhaps, that's just the kind of adventure that will entice you to visit Timor-Leste and, as the country puts it, 'explore the undiscovered'. Travel notes Getting there: Batik Air ( operates direct flights twice weekly (Monday and Friday) to Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport from KLIA Terminal 1. Where to stay: Palm Springs Hotel Dili, Hotel Timor, Novo Turismo Resort And Spa, JL World Hotel Dili, The Plaza Hotel. Currency: US dollar is the official currency. Carry cash as debit/credit cards are generally not accepted in stores. More information: Find out more about Timor-Leste at
The Star
27-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Sabahan lecturer leads US-based Southeast Asia Council
Dr Vilashini Somiah, 41, had just wrapped up her classes at Universiti Malaya (UM) in Kuala Lumpur and was deep in conversation with one of her research assistants. It was all part and parcel of her packed schedule - now even fuller following her appointment as the first South-East Asia-based scholar elected Chair of the Southeast Asia Council (SEAC) under the Association for Asian Studies (AAS). As a senior lecturer in the Gender Studies programme at the varsity's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, she balances her academic responsibilities with a growing role on the international stage. The AAS is a non-profit, non-political professional association dedicated to the study of Asia. Over 60 years old, the scholarly organisation is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the United States. Vilashini (second from right) proudly showcases her Sabahan heritage in traditional Sinuangga attire while pitching for the 2023 Wellcome Discovery Grant in London. Kota Kinabalu, Sabah-born Vilashini admits that news of her being elected as the chair came as a surprise. "Honestly, I never expected to be selected as SEAC Chair. I have always worked away from the spotlight, so this appointment feels both surreal and affirming. Coming from Borneo - often overlooked even within South-East Asia - I never imagined helping to shape regional discourse. But this shows the power of persistence and community," she says during an interview recently. "Scholars from the periphery can, and must, lead. I am deeply grateful to those who supported me - from the friends who first voted me onto the council to the members who elected me Chair. Being entrusted with a leadership role in AAS is something I carry with a lot of responsibility, and of course, hope," says Vilashini, whose term runs till 2028. The Sabahan anthropologist, who is of Indian and Sino-Kadazan parentage, sees her role as both administrative and advocacy-driven. While much of the work happens behind the scenes, it's rooted in a deeper commitment to representation and equity. Vilashini (second from left) with several Malaysian students at the Harvard University Asia Center in Massachusetts, the United States. "Part of the job involves coordinating the council's work, shaping the AAS annual conference programme, and ensuring South-East Asia stays visible and dynamic in Asian studies. It is mostly behind-the-scenes governance - organising meetings, managing agendas, drafting policies and liaising across time zones. "It's not glamorous, but it puts me in rooms where I can advocate for more equitable representation and help ensure marginalised voices from Malaysia and the region are heard and supported. For me, it is not just administrative - it is about opening doors and lifting others into spaces where representation is still lacking," explains Vilashini, who holds a PhD in South-East Asian Studies from the National University of Singapore. Earlier this year, she was also appointed a Harvard University Asia Center associate in Massachusetts, US. With so many hats to wear – lecturer, researcher and council chair – one can only wonder how the jovial woman manages it all. "I don't sleep lah," she says with a laugh. "When I need a break, I just unwind with some good Indian food. I won't lie, it's been an ambitious few years. Sometimes the weight of it all does scare me. But I've worked hard for these opportunities, and I do love the work. That makes a difference. "I am not a parent, which means I have got more time than many of my peers, and I try to use that privilege wisely. I never want to look back and feel I squandered the chance to learn, to contribute, to grow. That's what keeps me going - the knowing that this all means something," says Vilashini, who grew up in Penampang, KK. Advocating change Over the past 15 years, Vilashini has produced nearly 50 publications, many of which have been research based such as journal articles, books and reports. They include Unmoored Boundaries: Bajau Laut And Mobility Perspectives In Maritime Southeast Asia (2025), The Sea Is Indigenous 'Land' Too (2022), and Discovering From The Margins: Migrant Mothers And Covid-19 Vaccines In Sabah (2023). She is also the author of the book Irregular Migrants And The Sea At The Borders Of Sabah, Malaysia: Pelagic Alliance . Vilashini credits her mixed heritage and upbringing in Sabah for shaping her scholarly lens, particularly her focus on Bornean women, migration and identity. Her eyes beam with enthusiasm as she speaks about issues close to her heart. "I am very proud of my Tamil heritage, but Sabah is in my bones. It is a place of layered identities, fluid borders, and daily negotiations of belonging. Growing up mixed and multilingual, aware of both privilege and precarity, taught me to listen, to honour complexity, and to push against binaries. 'There's a data vacuum in Malaysia. We want to create spaces where underrepresented voices are heard,' says Vilashini. Photo: The Star/Low Lay Phon "I think when you grow up in a place where so many live in-between - between areas and territories, between identities, between rights - you internalise the struggles of being seen and acknowledged. "But I have watched communities from both sides of my family survive invisibility and thrive in spite of it. That kind of everyday resilience shapes how I approach my writing and research. It is never about extracting stories but it's about bearing witness and returning the gaze with respect," says Vilashini, the older of two siblings. She hopes her new role can open more doors for more Malaysian scholars - especially those who are indigenous, disabled, or from rural and remote communities - take up space in global academia. "Their work is often brilliant and rooted in lived realities, but it is still underrepresented. I also hope SEAC can foster true intergenerational collaboration, where senior scholars offer real support through access, funding and mentorship that lasts," shares Vilashini, who was a former participant of The Star 's BRATS Young Journalist Programme. Last year, Vilashini and her husband, lecturer Benjamin Loh, co-founded The Datum Initiative (TDI) - a grassroots effort to equip marginalised communities with ethical, accessible data skills."TDI was born from years of working with people who had powerful stories but lacked the tools to protect or use their data. We want to change that," she says. "There's a data vacuum in Malaysia. We keep recycling the same policy debates because we have excluded voices from the margins. I want to create spaces where underrepresented scholars and communities can shape the narrative - and be heard." She is especially excited about upcoming TDI projects on data competency for women with disabilities and indigenous communities aimed at building a nationwide network of empowered advocates. "It is still small, but change is happening. Alongside that, I am also working on a feminist autoethnography and a new project on gendered space in rural Borneo. Personally, I am learning to be more present - and to trust that even small efforts can ripple outward," she concludes.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Pro golfers in top form
Ben Leong scored a 13-under par (-13) to beat Nor Heikal Hadi (-10) and Edven Ying (-9) to win the PGM KGPA Championship 2025 at at Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam (KGPA) in Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur. Leong, 39, said that he was relief to win the championship. 'It is getting tougher to play with young and uprising talented Professionals, who are playing at their best.' The Sabah-born professional player also added that he will concentrate playing more local events, this year. In the ladies category, Genevieve Ling battled until last hole to beat Liyana Durisic.
