Latest news with #SharifahMahsinahAbdullah
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Fire and Rescue Department adds 16 new UK-bred K9 dogs this October
Sharifah Mahsinah Abdullah KOTA BARU: The Fire and Rescue Department will strengthen its search and rescue capabilities with the addition of 16 new K9 dogs from the United Kingdom this October, costing RM2.4mil. Its director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said the procurement, each costing RM150,000 inclusive of training, is part of the department's ongoing efforts to enhance operational readiness in critical areas. He said the dogs would be deployed to three key centres: five will be stationed in Sabah, two in Sarawak, while the remaining nine will be based at the K9 unit in Klang Lama, Selangor. "Three officers will be sent to the UK to undergo handler training alongside the dogs. "Once they return, they will be responsible for training other local handlers," he said. Nor Hisham was speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Governance, Integrity, and Anti-Corruption Dialogue Programme here today. He added that the K9 unit is expected to be operational by November, in time to support various national-level search and rescue missions, particularly in disaster-prone regions. "This move will significantly improve our detection and rescue capabilities, especially in difficult terrain and during emergencies involving missing persons or natural disasters," he said. It is learnt that the additional dogs will complement the existing 20 across the country. The dogs include breeds such as the English Springer Spaniel and Labrador Retriever, which are more suited to Malaysia's tropical climate and have more effective specialised functions.
New Straits Times
24-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Birthplace of Malaysia's famed Musang King continues to draw visitors
Slug: izdurian HL: Birthplace of Malaysia's famed Musang King continues to draw visitors Pic by Sharifah Mahsinah Abdullah TANAH MERAH: The original site of Malaysia's famed durian kunyit in Pulau Raya here continues to attract visitors from beyond Kelantan, drawn by its rich history and deep cultural roots. The legendary tree, later known as Musang King, was first planted in 1790 by a Chinese immigrant, Chung Chun Seng, who brought the seed with him when he migrated to the village. According to his great-grandson, Chung Ting Bun, the tree was planted near the family home and eventually grew into a towering presence before it died in 1974. "My great-grandfather planted the tree after arriving here, and over the years it flourished and bore fruit. "It became a giant tree, well known to the local community at the time," said Chung when met here today. The 80-year-old farmer said most visitors were from outside Kelantan. "They come here because they want to learn about the historical planting site. My wife, Yap Mek Seek, who is 75, and I spend time explaining the story to them," he said. He added that many visitors, as well as locals, were unaware that durian kunyit originated in Kelantan. "When the cultivar later gained popularity in Gua Musang, it became known as Musang King, a name that eventually overshadowed its true origins," he said. To commemorate the site's historical significance, Chung said a small monument had been erected at the location where the first durian kunyit tree was planted. "The monument serves as a reminder for our children, grandchildren, and future generations," said the father of four. He added that the site had since become a minor tourist attraction on the small island, drawing durian enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Kenaf industry lacks full ecosystem, govt to learn from Bangladesh and China
Sharifah Mahsinah Abdullah KOTA BARU: Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said today the government plans to send the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN) board of directors to kenaf-exporting countries to study the crop's processing methods and related industries. He said the move, part of a five-year plan, would provide justification for LKTN to remain the lead agency to develop the kenaf industry. "If a commodity does not have a successful ecosystem, it will not succeed. Kenaf still does not have a complete ecosystem. Furthermore, the land currently planted with kenaf is small — about 1,600 hectares. "To succeed in the kenaf industry, we need strong support, particularly in terms of land, processing factories, and a clear target for the types of products to be produced from kenaf," he added. Speaking to reporters after launching two new varieties — Malaysia Kenaf 1 (MK1) and Malaysia Kenaf 2 (MK2) here today, Johari said kenaf has the potential to be turned into many different products, but success would require specific skills. "Without the necessary skills, it will be difficult. I have made several suggestions to the Kenaf Board, including learning from the success stories of palm oil, rubber, and cocoa — commodities that have become major national exports. "One of the suggestions is to send LKTN's board of directors to countries such as Bangladesh and China, where kenaf production and processing are more established," he added. Johari said Bangladesh and China mainly focus on simple kenaf processing but have successfully built strong industries around it. "Kenaf has not yet reached the level of palm oil, rubber, or cocoa, so we need to learn more to develop and promote the industry. "Through these visits, we can understand the processes and skills involved and adapt them locally," he said. Johari added that the ministry is awaiting a presentation from the Kenaf Board's director-general before finalising the visit plans. Also present at the event were Plantation and Commodities Ministry secretary-general Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof and LKTN chairman Datuk Wan Abdul Rahim Wan Abdullah.
