Latest news with #SiscaHumphrey
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Developing sustainable and inclusive geoparks
Published on: Friday, May 30, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 30, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: 'Together, PPGN and PLGN outline comprehensive strategies for planning, conservation, management, education and community participation, which is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),' Jenneth said. Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia is actively implementing the National Geopark Development Plan 2021–2030 (PPGN) as a key strategy to develop sustainable and inclusive geoparks across the country, said Minerals and Geoscience Department Deputy Director Jenneth Liliana Cyril. She said the implementation of PPGN plays a crucial role in ensuring geoparks in Malaysia serve not only as protected geological areas but also as catalysts for economic development, environmental education and local community wellbeing. 'Malaysia has made notable progress in geopark development, beginning with Langkawi's recognition as a Unesco Global Geopark (UGGp) in 2007, followed by Kinabalu Geopark being recognised as the country's second UGGp in 2023,' she said at the Malaysian Geopark Network Conference here. She noted that several other areas, including Jerai, Lembah Kinta, Labuan, Lenggong, Sarawak Delta, Stong, Gombak-Hulu Langat, Kenyir, Perlis and Lipis have been designated as National Geoparks. Moving forward to 2030, key targets include elevating Lenggong, Sarawak Delta and Gombak-Hulu Langat to UGGp status and recognising Melaka and Jelebu as new National Geoparks. 'The implementation of the National Geopark Development Plan is supported by the State Geopark Local Plan (PLGN), which will be adopted by state and local authorities once an area has received national geopark recognition. 'Together, PPGN and PLGN outline comprehensive strategies for planning, conservation, management, education and community participation, which is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),' Jenneth said. Advertisement She stressed that the real strength of geoparks lies in community involvement. 'Through the implementation of the Plan, local communities are empowered to engage in eco-tourism, small-scale heritage-based enterprises, conservation work and educational activities,' she added. These efforts, she said, contribute significantly to rural development and the economic empowerment of local populations. Janet reaffirmed JMG's commitment to working closely with State Governments, local authorities and international partners to ensure the effective and sustainable implementation of the Plan. She hoped Malaysia's geoparks will continue to grow as internationally recognised and locally treasured spaces that balance nature, heritage and people. * 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
Daily Express
6 days ago
- Daily Express
Sandakan man falls victim to human trafficking
Published on: Wednesday, May 28, 2025 Published on: Wed, May 28, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: The family member (right) showing the video of the victim. Kota Kinabalu: A 23-year-old man from Sandakan has fallen victim to a human trafficking syndicate and is believed held captive in Cambodia, according to the Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO). Its Sabah Chief Operating Officer, Capt (R) Jerry Jaimeh, said the victim flew to Peninsular Malaysia on Feb 10 for a job opportunity. However, he was deceived and believed trafficked to Cambodia by a syndicate operating across Southeast Asia. 'The victim realised he had been tricked and was forced to work under exploitative conditions. He managed to contact his family for help before communication was cut off,' Jerry told a press conference, Tuesday. Family members, who were present, said they were alerted to the victim's situation after being contacted by his former employer a few days ago. Subscribe or LOG IN to access this article. Support Independant Journalism Subscribe to Daily Express Malaysia Access to DE E-Paper Access to DE E-Paper Exclusive News Exclusive News Invites to special events Invites to special events Giveaways & Rewards 1-Year Most Popular (Income Tax Deductible) Explore Plans Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
7 days ago
- Daily Express
Sabahan youth trafficked to Cambodia by fake job syndicate
Published on: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 27, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: A 23-year-old man from Sandakan is believed to be held captive in Cambodia after falling victim to a human trafficking syndicate, says the Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO). MHO Sabah COO Capt (R) Jerry Jaimeh said the victim flew to Peninsular Malaysia on Feb 10 for a job, but was deceived and trafficked to Cambodia. He later contacted his family for help before losing communication. The family, alerted by the victim's former employer via Telegram, lodged a police report and sought MHO's help. A rescue mission, led by MHO's Azirul Syafiq Zainal Abidin, is being planned in coordination with Cambodian authorities. MHO said the syndicate is part of a larger network that lures victims with fake overseas job offers. Jerry also highlighted a rise in such cases from Sabah and Sarawak, blaming economic vulnerability. In a related case, a 25-year-old farmer from Keningau was trafficked to Myanmar after being duped by old friends with fake job promises in Singapore. He was rescued and returned home three days after MHO's intervention. * Read full report in tomorrow's print paper or log in or sign up for e-paper and premium online news access. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
26-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Malaysia committed to reviving cocoa industry
Published on: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 27, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Johari revealed that global food giant Nestlé has expressed strong interest in sourcing Borneo-specific cocoa, including for its KitKat Borneo series. Kota Kinabalu: Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to revitalising its cocoa industry with a focus on sustainability, innovation and value-added exports. He said Malaysia must act swiftly to meet growing global demand, particularly for Borneo-origin cocoa. 'Malaysia is among the world's top five cocoa grinders, processing 370,000 tonnes of beans a year. 'Despite importing close to 500,000 tonnes, we exported RM15 billion worth of cocoa-based products in 2024. This proves our strength lies in value creation,' he said in his keynote speech at the launch of the Malaysian International Cocoa Fair (MICF) 2025, here, Monday. Johari revealed that global food giant Nestlé has expressed strong interest in sourcing Borneo-specific cocoa, including for its KitKat Borneo series. 'They've asked how much we can supply and committed to buying all of it. The challenge now is to ramp up our local production, which is still under 500 tonnes,' he said. Advertisement He stressed that Malaysia will not expand through deforestation, but instead focus on sustainable cultivation, better yields through good agricultural practices and farmer empowerment through traceability and land certification. 'We are developing a National Cocoa Traceability System to meet global standards like the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Our aim is to ensure full transparency from farm to export,' he added. Johari called on smallholders to register under the Malaysian Cocoa Farmers Association, to enable certification and participation in government-supported programmes. 'About 85pc of smallholders are already compliant with sustainability frameworks. We will help the rest catch up.' Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB) Chairman Datuk Matbali Musah said MICF 2025 marks the largest cocoa event ever hosted in the country and serves as a vital platform to reconnect with the global cocoa community after more than a decade. 'With over 1,000 delegates and 160 booths from more than 20 countries, MICF is not just an exhibition, but a strategic platform to showcase Malaysia's progress in sustainability, research, smart farming and premium chocolate production,' he said in his welcoming speech. Matbali emphasised that the MICF includes not just an exhibition and conference, but also a Cocoa Gala Dinner and technical visits to cocoa farms in Ranau, giving international participants a closer look at Sabah's contribution to the cocoa value chain. He praised the support of the Ministry, State Government and private partners for bringing together 26 countries and advancing Malaysia's cocoa ecosystem. As Malaysia eyes greater exports of single-origin, fine-flavoured and organic cocoa, both Johari and Matbali called for stronger industry collaboration to position the country as a global source of premium, sustainable cocoa. 'Let's work together to build a resilient cocoa industry, one that empowers our farmers, uplifts communities and aligns with global climate and trade expectations,' Johari 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
Daily Express
26-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Malaysian cocoa industry revived with focus on sustainability and traceability
Published on: Monday, May 26, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 26, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Johari (centre) with others during the launching ceremony. - Sisca Humphrey/Daily Exrpress KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia is boosting its cocoa industry through sustainable farming, improved yields, and a national traceability system to meet global standards, said Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. Speaking at the relaunch of the Malaysian International Cocoa Fair (MICF) 2025 at SICC, Johari noted the event's return after 12 years has attracted participants from 26 countries. Malaysia, one of the world's top five cocoa grinders, processes 370,000 tonnes annually. Despite importing 500,000 tonnes, value-added cocoa exports hit RM15 billion in 2024. 'With rising global demand, especially for Borneo-origin cocoa, we must support our farmers,' Johari said, adding MICF is key to promoting Malaysia's sustainable cocoa. * Read full report in tomorrow's print paper or log in or sign up for e-paper and premium online news access. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
