Latest news with #SabahMajuJayaDevelopmentPlan
Daily Express
15-07-2025
- Science
- Daily Express
Education aid for 170 top scoring students
Published on: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 15, 2025 Text Size: The students in a group photo after receiving the aid. Kota Kinabalu: More than 170 students received assistance from the Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS) in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan's objective of developing human capital. The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Dr Arifin Mohd Arif, said the award is part of a government initiative approved by the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor. Advertisement 'Today, we are distributing TPNS assistance and State government initiatives to more than 170 recipients, including 74 outstanding STPM students who achieved a perfect score of 4.0. 'The Chief Minister commends the students' achievements and each student who earned a perfect 4.0 GPA received RM1,000. 'One student from SMK Kota Klias, Beaufort, stood out at the national level in STPM and awarded RM3,000 for their outstanding performance. 'We are also proud to present contributions to 20 students who achieved excellent results in the Malaysian University English Test (Muet). Each student received RM1,000, as it is no easy feat to excel in this examination,' he said when met by the media after the Sabah State Education Fund Honorarium Presentation Ceremony for Outstanding STPM and Muet Students 2024 at Dewan Saadah, Wisma Muis. At the same event, 22 students received TPNS contributions for successfully pursuing their studies at the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) level, in addition to the presentation of the Anak Sabah Excellence Award (Aksa) and the Bistari Award. 'We've recently added a new initiative called Bayu, which provides RM150 in Muet exam fee assistance to 8,000 students, bringing the total aid close to one million ringgit. 'This means those who sit for the Muet examination will no longer have to pay the fees themselves, as these will be covered by the government,' he said. 'To date, we have spent over RM13 million for more than 10,000 students through the Sabah State Education Fund. It is estimated that this year alone, we have allocated RM74 million for 14 initiatives, which we refer to as Bagus, Budi, Baik, Bisbah and Bakti, among others.' He added that the State government continuously increases allocations for human capital development to ensure balanced growth is achieved. Also present at the event were the Director of Yayasan Sabah, Datuk Seri Ghulamhaidar @ Yusof Khan Bahadar; Assistant Minister of Finance, Datuk Tan Lee Fat; Director of the Sabah State Education Department, Datuk Raisin Saidin; and Chief Executive Officer of the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Muis), Datuk Ramlan Awang Ali. * 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
Borneo Post
12-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Hajiji: GRS can propel Sabah to greater heights
Hajiji (fourth right) officiating the closing gimmick of the PBS-STAR 2025 Convention. PENAMPANG (July 12): Sabah has the potential to transform into a more developed, prosperous, peaceful and harmonious state if the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) continues to be given the mandate in the upcoming 17th State Election, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor. He stressed that in nearly five years of leading the State Government, various significant achievements have been realised — including the recovery of Sabah's economy and a notable increase in investments and state revenue. 'When we took over the state administration in September 2020, Sabah was facing the worst economic situation in its history. 'However, through careful planning and the implementation of the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan (SMJ 1.0), we not only managed to revive the economy but also elevated Sabah's performance to an impressive level,' said the GRS chairman when officiating the closing of the PBS-STAR Convention 2025 at Hongkod Koisaan, Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) here today. According to Hajiji, one of GRS's key achievements is the rise in Sabah's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which increased to RM84.3 billion in 2024 from RM83.2 billion in 2023. 'State revenue collection for three consecutive years — 2022, 2023 and 2024 — has reached almost RM7 billion, compared to only RM3.59 billion in 2020. The State Government's reserves now stand at RM8.6 billion. Domestic and foreign investments brought into Sabah since 2021 amount to RM35.38 billion. 'All these are indicators of a healthy economy and proof of the capability and excellence of the GRS-led State Government. No one can deny this — only the opposition chooses to close their eyes to these facts,' he said. Hajiji added that GRS is not only focused on driving economic growth but is also committed to completing basic infrastructure projects, eradicating hardcore poverty, and improving the wellbeing of the people. 'God willing, if GRS continues to be given the mandate, we will ensure that all the planned development programmes are fully implemented — from urban centres to the rural interior,' he said. He further emphasised that the SMJ Development Plan is not just a document but a comprehensive long-term strategy encompassing human capital, natural resource management, and administrative efficiency. 'With strong political will, coupled with an improving economic climate and the political stability we have fought for since 2020, I am confident Sabah will progress far ahead as a developed, peaceful and prosperous state,' he added. Hajiji also reminded all GRS leaders and members to remain steadfast in defending the coalition's mission, especially in the face of opposition slanders and attempts to weaken its political strength. He said the success of the GRS administration has made the opposition uneasy, prompting them to launch continuous attacks and spread falsehoods against the government and its leaders. 'They will not stop. They are jealous of what we have achieved. They want us to fail, weaken and fall. 'Therefore, I remind you — our house must be protected by us. GRS is our house, our shelter, and the foundation of our struggle. If we don't defend it, who will?' he said. Meanwhile, Hajiji described the PBS-STAR 2025 Convention as a historic moment that strengthens local political consensus and signals that GRS is ready to face the 17th State Election with a united and credible leadership team. He said the close cooperation between Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) represents political maturity and the prioritisation of Sabah's welfare over ideological differences. 'This convention demonstrates the unity among local parties with distinct histories and principles, and proves that GRS is capable of advancing as a political coalition that truly represents the aspirations of the people of Sabah,' he said.
Daily Express
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Media told to be professional, responsible
Published on: Tuesday, July 01, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 01, 2025 Text Size: Mariah, Joniston and the winners of the Kinabalu Press Awards 2025. Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor called on media practitioners to carry out their duties with integrity, guided by the principles of professional and responsible journalism. He said the success and dissemination of government policy implementation also depend on the vital role of the media in conveying information clearly and effectively to the public. In the context of state development, he said the Government remains committed to implementing various initiatives that benefit the people and accelerate Sabah's progress through the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan. 'As a sector with close collaboration and ties with the Government, the media also plays a role in delivering information on state government development policies, particularly under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan. 'Therefore, I hope this strategic cooperation will continue to be strengthened and that the good relationship between us will be further enhanced to help the Government disseminate key information to the people regarding the State's development agenda and direction. 'Media reports also assist the Government in understanding what is happening at the grassroots level, including the concerns of the people. Certainly, the Government welcomes such reports and coverage from media practitioners, as a bridge connecting the Government and the people,' he said. His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. Hajiji expressed hope that the media will continue to play an important role as a trusted source of information, a provider of accurate news and a platform for faster and more precise updates to society. He said the Kinabalu Press Awards, organised by the Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) in collaboration with the State Government and other sponsors, aims to recognise and appreciate the commitment and capabilities of media practitioners in the State. 'This event also serves as an excellent platform to inspire media practitioners to remain motivated, focused and responsible in carrying out their duties transparently and ethically,' he added. In this regard, he said the Government has never overlooked the media's important role in society and continues to support programmes such as the KPA through financial sponsorship contributions. 'The State Government greatly values and understands this need, and in fact, sponsorship support has increased every year. 'I also extend my congratulations to all the winners. Keep up the excellent work and let this success be a catalyst to continue contributing to the development of the State and the wellbeing of the people through credible and ethical news reporting,' he said. * 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
Borneo Post
30-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
See Hua Group of newspapers win two main and five merit press awards
Elton Aaron Gomes (second from left) received his award from Petronas Vice President, Group Strategic Relations and Communications Norafizal Mat Saad, witnessed by SJA president Mariah Doksil and deputy president Ricardo Unto. KOTA KINABALU (June 30): See Hua Group of newspapers, The Borneo Post, Utusan Borneo and See Hua Daily News, won two main and five merit awards at the annual Kinabalu Press Awards 2025 held here on Sunday night. The Borneo Post reporters, Jenne John Lajiun and Elton Aaron Gomes took home the top awards in the News Reporting (Non feature) and Environmental Journalism categories respectively. Jenne's articles about STAR president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan speaking about his experience while detained under ISA won her RM2,500. Elton's article about an NGO's efforts to save turtles and sharks also won him the top prize of RM2,500. The merit prizes were won by See Hua Daily News' Yong Ted Phen, James Tseu and Ho Yin Yin as well as Utusan Borneo's Siti Aisyah Narudin, Yap Siong Han, Vivi Oliviana Najurus and Hamzah Sanudin. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor in his speech at the event called on media practitioners to carry out their duties with full integrity, guided by principles of professional and responsible journalism. He said the success and communication of government policies also depend greatly on the vital role of the media in delivering information clearly and effectively to the people. In the context of the state's development, he said the government remains committed to implementing various initiatives that benefit the people and accelerate Sabah's progress through the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan. 'As a partner that maintains close cooperation and strong ties with the government, the media also plays a key role in disseminating information related to the state government's development policies, particularly under the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan. 'Therefore, I hope this strategic cooperation will continue to be strengthened and our good relationship will be further enhanced to help the government spread important information to the people about the state's development agenda and direction. 'Media reports also help the government understand what is happening at the grassroots level and the concerns of the people. Certainly, the government always welcomes such reports and coverage from media practitioners acting as a bridge between the government and the people,' he said. The Chief Minister's speech was delivered by Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. Hajiji also expressed hope that the media will always play its important role as a trusted provider of information, a source of authentic news, and a platform for the public to access information quickly and accurately. He said the Kinabalu Press Awards, organised by the Sabah Journalists Association in collaboration with the state government and other sponsors, aim to recognise and appreciate the commitment and capabilities of media practitioners in the state. 'This event also serves as an excellent platform to motivate media practitioners to be more driven, focused and responsible in carrying out their duties with greater transparency and ethics,' he said. In this regard, he added that the government has never neglected the crucial role of the media in society and continues to support programmes such as the KPA through financial sponsorships. 'The state government greatly values and understands this need, and sponsorship assistance has even increased every year. 'I also congratulate all the winners — keep up the excellent work and let this achievement be a catalyst for continuing to contribute to the state's development and the well-being of the people through credible and ethical news reporting,' he said.
Daily Express
26-06-2025
- General
- Daily Express
Langom research station a plus for conservation
Published on: Thursday, June 26, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 26, 2025 Text Size: Langom Control Centre and Research Station. LAHAD DATU: The newly-opened Langom Control Centre and Research Station at the Danum Valley Conservation Area stands as testament to Sabah's commitment to biodiversity conservation and research excellence. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said this initiative, spearheaded by Yayasan Sabah in collaboration with the State Forestry Department, aligns perfectly with creating a conducive research environment while ensuring sustainable forest management. 'I wish to reiterate the State Government's full support to conservation and research efforts such as this,' Hajiji said during the facility's opening ceremony, with his speech delivered by Deputy Chief Minister cum Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya. Hajiji expressed confidence that with multi-stakeholder support, including from the Federal Government, conservation areas like Danum Valley and the entire DaMaI (Danum Valley, Maliau Basin and Imbak Canyon) Rainforest Landscape would continue serving as global biodiversity treasures while functioning as premier research, education and conservation centres. The RM5.6 million facility was funded by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability under the 12th Malaysia Plan, supporting the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan's environmental conservation and sustainable development objectives. 'This initiative reflects the State Government's commitment to balance economic development with conservation of natural resources for the long-term prosperity of the people and future generations,' Hajiji said. He praised Yayasan Sabah for its outstanding stewardship of Danum Valley and similar conservation areas, noting that the organisation has elevated Sabah's international profile as a model of transparent and visionary conservation management. Strategically positioned within the Ulu Segama-Malua Forest Reserve between the Netherlands' Face The Future project site (INFAPRO) and the Danum Valley Studies Centre, the research station operates under the Sabah Forestry Department's Management Committee with Universiti Malaysia Sabah involvement. Hajiji pointed out the significance of the location, saying the surrounding restored forest demonstrates successful conservation efforts. 'Many are unaware that the forest we passed through today is a restored forest, the result of years of dedicated effort. This proves that forest restoration can succeed with vision and commitment,' he said. The facility will also serve educational purposes, supporting environmental programs conducted by the Sabah Nature Club, which has adopted several Lahad Datu schools under Yayasan Sabah Group supervision. Looking ahead, Hajiji called for increased Federal Government support, particularly through the National Conservation Trust Fund for Natural Resources and the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan. He reaffirmed Sabah's commitment to implementing green sustainability development programs that prioritise responsible natural resource management while ensuring environmental protection, social well-being and economic growth for future generations. * 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
