Latest news with #SabahStateGovernment
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Former Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Ahmadshah dies
KOTA KINABALU: The Ninth Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah, Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah, died at a private hospital here at 8.45 pm tonight. He was 78. Sabah State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong confirmed the news of his passing in a statement issued here tonight. 'The state government has declared a one-day official mourning period (today), during which the Sabah state flag will be flown at half-mast,' he said. Meanwhile, Ahmadshah's grandson Arfanshah Abdul Gafar called on the public to offer prayers and recite Surah Al-Fatihah for his late grandfather. 'Please recite Al-Fatihah for my grandfather, Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Ahmadshah bin Abdullah, who passed away a short while ago at KPJ Hospital Kota Kinabalu. May he be placed among the faithful. Aamiin Ya Mujib,' he said in a Facebook post. Ahmadshah was sworn in as Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah on Jan 1, 2003, for a four-year term and was reappointed for a second term from Jan 1, 2007, to Dec 31, 2010. He was married to Toh Puan Dayang Masuyah Awang Japardan, who passed away in 2020, and they were blessed with four children. Born in Kampung Inanam here on Dec 9, 1946, Ahmadshah, held a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Indiana State University, United States, and last served as deputy secretary to the Sabah State Government before retiring on Dec 9, 2002. He also held several key positions in the state administration, including Director of the Sabah Public Services Department, Head of the Home Affairs and Research Division in the Chief Minister's Department, and Secretary of the Sabah Islamic Religious its inception in 1991.
Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah strengthens labour laws to protect workers' rights
Mohd Hanafiah (seated right) and Mohd Asri (seated left) at the event. KOTA KINABALU (May 19): The Sabah State Government is taking a proactive approach to strengthen workers' rights through amendments to its labour laws, reflecting a firm commitment to international standards and fair employment practices. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Mohd Kassim, said the amendments underscore the government's determination to protect workers from abuse, including issues such as child labour and underpayment. 'All this is for the better — to ensure we provide protection against any form of abuse,' he said at the launch of the Sabah-Level 2025 Labour Legislation Transformation Programme held at Le Meridien today. He stressed that some sectors have been found to neglect basic rights, making it essential for the government to step in with clear legal protections. 'We are fine-tuning the laws so that they can be clearly understood by the people,' he added. Hanafiah highlighted that the transformation will be carried out in stages, with multiple platforms for engagement to ensure widespread awareness. While he acknowledged the state's push for industrial growth, he cautioned that it must not come at the expense of workers' rights. 'According to the Statistics Department, we are quite behind. However, catching up does not mean we can bypass rights that must be upheld. There is no shortcut,' he emphasized, adding that the effort involves cooperation from various bodies, including the National Wages Consultative Council and Cuepacs. The programme, he said, signals the government's commitment to ensuring labour reforms reach all levels of society — from policymakers to grassroots workers. He noted that shifts in employment trends, including digitalisation and work-life balance, demand timely updates to the legislation. 'With close cooperation between the government, employers and trade unions, we can build a fairer, more inclusive, and progressive employment ecosystem,' he said. As the workforce enters a new era shaped by digital transformation, social security and equity, Hanafiah asserted that legal frameworks must evolve to keep pace. 'I have been informed that several important amendments have been made to key acts such as the Sabah Labour Ordinance, the Industrial Relations Act and the Trade Unions Act, which now provide broader protection for workers,' he added. Given Sabah's diverse economic sectors — including agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and services — implementing inclusive and transparent labour policies is crucial. He welcomed the participation of all stakeholders to ensure every voice is heard in shaping these reforms. As Permanent Secretary, Hanafiah noted the role of innovation in reshaping the employment landscape and called for legislation that supports new forms of work in the digital economy, balancing productivity with well-being. 'I am confident that programmes such as this will strengthen understanding, encourage open dialogue and build collaborative networks across sectors,' he said, expressing hope for lasting benefits to Sabah's workforce and its socio-economic development. On the issue of workers' housing, Hanafiah noted that federal laws mandating minimum standards have yet to be enforced in Sabah. 'The law has not been enforced in Sabah yet,' he said, adding that stakeholder consultations are still ongoing. Meanwhile, Director General of Trade Unions, Mohd Asri Abdul Wahab, said the programme is a strategic collaboration involving the Trade Union Affairs Department , the National Wages Consultative Council, the Malaysian Industrial Relations Department and the Sabah Labour Department. He explained that the objective is to inform key stakeholders — including agencies, employers' associations and trade unions — about the implementation and enforcement of amendments to three key Acts: the Trade Unions Act 1959 (Amendment 2024), the Industrial Relations Act (Amendment 2020), and the Labour Ordinance Cap. 67 (Amendment 2025).
Borneo Post
18-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Sabah takes stern stance after tourist collects protected starfish
Christina Liew KOTA KINABALU (May 18): The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Sabah (KePKAS) views seriously the recent viral issue on social media regarding the collection of starfish by a tourist believed to be a Chinese national, seen on a paddleboard (stand-up-paddle) in the waters of Kota Kinabalu. Its minister, Datuk Seri Christina Liew, said as such actions are contrary to the principles of ecotourism, which emphasise the conservation of marine life, a core value upheld by the Sabah State Government in its commitment to sustainable tourism. 'Investigations conducted by the Board of Trustees of Sabah Parks (LPATTS) confirmed that the incident took place in the waters of Tanjung Aru, outside the boundaries of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, and involved a tour company. 'A total of 30 starfish were collected, identified as the Horned Sea Star or Chocolate Chip Sea Star, known locally as tapak sulaiman bertanduk (Protoreaster nodosus). 'These starfish play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem, and their removal can potentially disrupt this delicate balance,' Liew said in a statement on Sunday. In light of this, the minister urged all tour operators to exercise greater responsibility in ensuring that their tourists and staff adhere strictly to the established guidelines and regulations, particularly those concerning the protection of marine life. 'Awareness and compliance with these regulations are vital to ensure the sustainability of the marine ecosystem for the well-being of future generations,' she said. Stressing that the Sabah State Government, through KePKAS, remains committed to environmental conservation efforts, Liew warned that the authorities will not hesitate to take stern action against any party found violating regulations related to wildlife and natural ecosystems in the State. 'We will be working with the relevant agencies regarding this issue,' she added.
Borneo Post
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Hajiji: Government committed to strengthening public service, people-centred development
Hajiji, together with Shamsul Azri and other guests, poses with state and federal civil servants attending the Jelajah Taat Setia MADANI Negeri Sabah programme at the Sabah International Convention Centre in Kota Kinabalu on Friday. KOTA KINABALU (May 9): The Sabah State Government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to enhancing the delivery of public services and expanding the benefits of development to all citizens through the Malaysia MADANI approach, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor. He emphasised that civil servants are the backbone of the state's development success and the effective implementation of government policies. As such, their role must be guided by integrity, efficiency and a deep sense of responsibility. 'The people are watching. Our behaviour, our words, and how we treat the public reflect the quality of today's government service 'Therefore, civil servants must internalise the MADANI principles namely Sustainability, Prosperity, Innovation, Respect, Trust and and Compassion. These are not merely as a slogan, but as part of their work ethic and character,' he said during the Jelajah Taat Setia MADANI Negeri Sabah programme at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Friday. Also in attendance was the Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, who delivered a keynote address to Sabah's civil service as part of the national Jelajah Taat Setia MADANI initiative. Hajiji highlighted that strong cooperation between the State and Federal Governments has led to the implementation of various initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of Sabahans. Among these is the Program Madani Rakyat 2024: Sayangi Sabah, which drew nearly 485,000 visitors. Other notable efforts include the formation of 219 Komuniti MADANI in Sabah, supported by RM657,000 in funding, and the Ehsan@KUSKOP initiative in three targeted districts, Kota Belud, Kota Marudu and Kudat, in addition to a series of educational forums and discourse sessions to deepen understanding of Malaysia MADANI. At the state level, Hajiji reiterated the government's continued support for the B40 income group and students through various aid programmes. These include the BUDI (Higher Education Registration Assistance), BAIK (Computer Aid), and GRS-SUBFLY, which provides RM600 in flight subsidies to Sabah students studying in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak. Other initiatives include the SENTOSA (Higher Education Domestic Student Contribution) of RM300, the construction of 3,000 Rumah Mesra SMJ homes valued at RM250 million, and the SYUKUR (People's Touch of Compassion) programme, which offers RM300 in monthly cash assistance throughout the year to 100,000 poor and hardcore poor household heads in Sabah. On human capital development, he announced a significant increase in the Sabah State Government's scholarship allocation, rising from RM55 million in 2022 to RM128 million in 2025. 'Supporting Sabah's youth in pursuing higher education is not just about academic achievement. It is a long-term investment in nurturing future leaders and a competitive workforce,' he said. Hajiji also called upon Sabah's 21,989 state civil servants and 126,677 federal civil servants to act as facilitators in disseminating government policies and initiatives to the grassroots level. 'Spread the government's message to every corner. Let the people see that the government is not just planning, but actively implementing numerous development initiatives for the well-being of the state and its citizens. Public service must be swift, efficient and delivered with integrity,' he stressed. He further urged all Sabahans to set aside political differences and continue to strengthen unity for the state's progress. 'Political stability is the foundation of prosperity. Let us move forward together in the spirit of solidarity, prioritising unity and renewing our shared commitment towards a brighter future for Sabah,' he added.
Borneo Post
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sabah boosts education support by giving aid to flood-affected students, teachers
The Sabah State Education Fund recipients. KOTA KINABALU (April 22): The Sabah State Government's unwavering commitment to strengthening the education sector is further reinforced through the Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS) presentation ceremony today at Menara Kinabalu. The ceremony saw 194 recipients receiving one-time assistance to ease their educational expenses, including students, teachers, and school representatives affected by the recent flood disaster. At the same ceremony, the University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) also received an allocation of TPNS funds to be distributed to its students, which is in line with ongoing efforts to broaden access to higher education for the youth of Sabah. The TPNS presentation ceremony was graced by the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation cum chairman of the TPNS Implementation Committee, Datuk Dr Haji Mohd Arifin bin Datuk Haji Mohd Arif. Also present were the director of Yayasan Sabah, Dato' Sri Haji Gulamhaidar bin Khan Bahadar, and other members of the TPNS Implementation Committee. This financial assistance is intended to ease the financial burden on affected students and education personnel and reflect the state government's deep concern for the challenges faced in the aftermath of a disaster. It is a testament to the government's unwavering commitment to ensuring that no individual is left behind in their pursuit of education, even in the face of adversity. The event was further enlivened by the TPNS Aidilfitri celebration, which brought together more than 400 guests, including TPNS recipients, their family members, educators and guests. The festive atmosphere provided a meaningful platform to foster relationships and acknowledge the contributions of all parties involved in advancing education in Sabah. TPNS remains steadfast in its commitment to serving as a sustainable educational support platform for the people of Sabah, particularly in navigating economic challenges and natural disasters. The ceremony not only acted as a channel for financial assistance but also stood as a symbol of shared hope and the collective strength of a united Sabah community, where every individual is empowered to pursue education. The Sabah State Government continues to uphold its vision of making education the cornerstone of its development, paving the way for brighter and more inclusive future generations.
