Latest news with #SabahParksBoardofTrustees
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Kiau Gap site stays open for families to remember Sabah earthquake victims
RANAU: The Kiau Gap View site, which honours the 18 lives lost during the June 5, 2015, earthquake, will remain open to families wishing to visit and hold private moments of remembrance. Sabah Parks Board of Trustees chairman Peter Lintar announced that no more formal memorial services will be held at the Kiau Gap site in the coming years. "You are not alone. "The memory of your loved ones lives on in our prayers and collective spirit," he said during the 10th Memorial Service held at the site, where a monument was erected in 2016 to honour the victims. He also said that Sabah Parks had consistently organised annual memorials since 2016 and expressed gratitude to all who have attended especially the families of the victims. The victims, including spirited schoolchildren from Singapore, were remembered as individuals taken too soon in a place meant to symbolise the beauty of nature. Their families were commended for their enduring resilience. During the ceremony, family members lit candles at exactly 7.15am the time the earthquake struck ten years ago and later laid flowers at the monument. "This is a day of reflection, remembrance, and strength for all of us. Mount Kinabalu, so majestic, became the backdrop to a tragedy that claimed 18 beloved lives. "The scars of that day remain deeply etched in the hearts of families, friends, the people of Sabah and Malaysia, as well as the international community who also felt its impact. "To those who lost loved ones, we understand that the pain never truly goes away. Ten years may heal physical wounds, but the longing for those we lost endures. "Thank you for the strength and courage you have shown over the years," he added. The memorial also paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of mountain guides, porters, rescue personnel, volunteers, and local villagers who played critical roles in the search and rescue operations. Since the tragedy, various initiatives have been implemented to improve safety and preparedness on the mountain. These include the formation of the Mountain Search and Rescue (MoSAR) unit, regular rescue simulation exercises, enhanced standard operating procedures (SOPs), better emergency protocols, and upgraded training and assessments for mountain guides. Public awareness campaigns have also been strengthened to improve disaster readiness. "We have learned the importance of humility in the face of nature's power and the need for efficient early warning systems and safe climbing practices." Among those present were Sabah Parks director Dr Maklarin Lakim; Sabah Fire and Rescue chief Mohd Pisar Aziz; Ranau district officer Tinus Manggam; Archbishop Datuk John Wong; and Ranau police representative Deputy Superintendent Ediansha Endal.
Daily Express
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Research pact with Russians
Published on: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 27, 2025 By: Clarence Dol Text Size: MoU signing between Sabah Parks and delegation from Russia. Kundasang: Two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed between Sabah Parks Trustees Board and two entities from the Russian Federation, here, on Saturday. The MoUs aim to strengthen cooperation in the fields of academic research, sustainable development, and sustainable management of natural areas involving aspects of geoscience, mineral resources, climate change and sustainable tourism. Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Abidin Madingkir said the signing would form the basis for knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and the implementation of collaborative projects between the two parties. Sabah Parks Board of Trustees was represented by Chairman of the Sabah Parks Trustees Board, Peter Lintar and the Director of Sabah Parks, Dr Maklarin Bin Lakim. The delegation from Russia was represented by the Executive Director of The Committee of The Republic of Bashkortostan for Unesco, and Co-Chairholder at The International Research and Educational Centre 'Geoparks and Territories of Sustainable Development', UFA University of Science and Technology, Dr. Renata Razifovna Lukmanova; and Chairholder at the same center, and Doctor of Geology and Mineralogy at The UFA University of Science and Technology, Professor Larisa Nikolaevna Belan. Advertisement Also participating in the event was a special guest, Director of Bashkiria National Park and The Bashkiria Unesco Biosphere Reserve, Representing The Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology of The Russian Federation, Vladimir Kuznetsov. Abidin welcomed the MoU and said that the presence of the delegation from Russia here really strengthens the bridge of international cooperation in sustainable development and science diplomacy. 'Sabah is very fortunate to have natural wealth, extraordinary biodiversity, and unparalleled cultural diversity. All these elements make Sabah not only a superior tourism destination, but also a reference in holistic regional development through the Geopark approach based on conservation, education and community development. 'This Geopark approach is very much in line with the State Government's development policy which emphasizes sustainable development, rural community empowerment, and the conservation of natural and cultural heritage. 'What we are witnessing today is a manifestation of success resulting from close and continuous cooperation between various parties which include government agencies, non-governmental organizations, local communities, and strategic partners from home and abroad,' he said. Abidin, who is also Paginatan Assemblyman, said this while representing the Deputy Chief Minister and Kundasang Assemblyman, Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam in opening the Sambutan Tamu Geopark 2025 here on Saturday. The organisation of this Tamu, he said, not only celebrates the diversity of community heritage, but also presents an integrated approach to sustainable development based on geoparks. 'The Tamu Geopark held today brought together various levels of society, including agency representatives, Geopark partners and communities from across the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark. 'The organisation of this programme highlighted various important elements such as exhibitions by government and private agencies, local products and handicrafts, traditional clothing, as well as food exhibition featuring the uniqueness and diversity of traditional dishes from various districts in Sabah. 'Not to be missed is the traditional cooking competition which is a medium to introduce local food culture to the community and external visitors,' he said. Abidin added that this approach is not just about showcasing the results of community efforts, but reflects how the Geopark concept can encompass various sectors such as tourism, community economy, education and conservation simultaneously. Meanwhile, he said, through the State Tourism Development Strategic Plan and planning under the National Tourism Policy, initiatives such as the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark (KUGGp) can be used as an important platform to strengthen inclusive and resilient community-based tourism. 'In fact, the efforts of the State Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment in supporting international recognition such as the Unesco Global Geopark are seen in line with the National Geopark Development Policy which is currently being actively developed by the Federal Government. 'This policy aims to provide a more structured, cross-ministerial Geopark management framework, as well as emphasising the balance between the conservation of geological, cultural and biodiversity heritage with local socio-economic progress. 'We believe that the success of a Geopark does not only depend on international recognition, but also on the extent of the involvement and awareness of the local community towards the values of the heritage they possess,' he said. Therefore, he said, the Tamu Geopark is one of the most effective approaches to bring the community closer to the values of the Geopark through direct cultural, economic and educational activities. Also present were State Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Ranau District Officer Tinus Manggam, Sabah Parks Board of Trustees Member Gabriel Sinit, and others. * 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
New Straits Times
22-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Communities must lead heritage conservation, says Sabah geoparks expert
KOTA KINABALU: Local communities must be at the heart of efforts to preserve geological and cultural heritage, said Global Geoparks Network (GGN) vice president, Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Ibrahim Komoo. He emphasised that public understanding is the foundation of effective conservation. Speaking at the Malaysia Geopark Network Convention at a hotel here, Ibrahim said heritage conservation must be grounded in the values and trust of local and indigenous communities. "Many people don't realise that education about heritage is a key part of preservation. In developed countries like Japan, places are preserved not because of conservation officers, but because the people are educated and aware. "We need to build awareness and skills through education and training. If communities don't know about the existence or value of heritage, conservation efforts won't succeed," he said. "If we help improve their livelihood through heritage tourism, they will take care of it because they'll see it as a source of income," he said. He noted the growing popularity of geo-food — local village dishes elevated to premium tourist experiences — as well as traditional crafts that could flourish with improved product quality. "I once saw a mengkuang mat sell for up to RM500, where previously it would've gone for only RM30 to RM50. It's all because of quality," he said. The expert also proposed incorporating storytelling into tourism experiences, rooted in the natural and cultural significance of each location. "In the past, people climbed mountains just to reach the summit. "Now, we should encourage them to stop at five or six points along the way to learn about the beauty and importance of the landscape." Malaysia currently has 10 national geoparks, with Langkawi and Kinabalu recognised as Unesco Global Geoparks. Also present were Sabah Parks Board of Trustees chairman Peter Lintar and director Dr Maklarin Lakim.
