Latest news with #Taska
Daily Express
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Pageant puts spotlight on Bajausama traditional attire
Published on: Monday, August 11, 2025 Published on: Mon, Aug 11, 2025 Text Size: Contestants of the Children's Traditional Costume Competition. Tuaran: The Ratu Serimpak pageant showcases the beauty of traditional attire and the cultural heritage of the Bajausama community, which must be preserved for future generations. Sabah Bajausama Community Association (PRBSS) Vice-President Datuk Japlin Akim said the event is more than just a beauty or costume competition, it serves as a platform to empower knowledgeable, capable Bajausama women who understand and value the customs and traditions of their ancestors. Advertisement 'Judging is not confined to the night of the pageant itself but starts from the very first day the contestants arrive. 'They have taken part in various activities such as cultural workshops, briefings, and traditional events, enabling the judges to comprehensively assess their personality, cultural knowledge, and commitment to the Bajausama heritage,' he said when officiating the Ratu Serimpak 2025 Grand Final, held in conjunction with the Sabah Bajausama Cultural Festival at the PRBSS Cultural Centre here on Friday. Japlin added that the competition is more than just a stage performance. 'It is a platform to find cultural ambassadors who can represent our identity to the world, safeguard our heritage roots, and reignite the younger generation's spirit to embrace who they are as Bajausama,' he said. Advertisement A total of 20 contestants have been competing since August 6, with the final results to be announced on the festival's closing day this Sunday. Also present were PRBSS Secretary-General Datuk Kassim Razali and Ratu Serimpak 2025 Competition Chairman Muhd Arziz Afizy Rumsani. Meanwhile, the Children's Traditional Costume Competition for Sabah's ethnic groups was held in lively fashion on Friday in conjunction with the 2025 Sabah Bajausama Cultural Festival at the Lok Batik Cultural Hall. A total of 93 children took part, 14 from Kemas nurseries (Taska) and 79 from Kemas kindergartens (Tabika), showcasing a variety of traditional attire from Sabah's ethnic communities, including Bajau, Dusun, and Murut. The competition was divided into four categories: Tabika boys, Tabika girls, Taska boys, and Taska girls. In the Taska Girls category, first place went to Maryam Afifi Mohd Aziz from Taska Kemas Kampung Bolong Lama, followed by Aish Khadijah Amli (Taska Kemas Kampung Bolong Lama) in second place and Rania Azzalea Samsul (Taska Kemas Kampus Intan Sabah) in third. The Tabika Girls category saw Dellisyah Yusni from Tabika Kemas Taman Sri Rugading crowned champion, with Erena Etna Brian (Tabika Kemas Pekan Kiulu) as runner-up and Nurmisha Afifah Indra (Tabika Kemas Kampung Penimbawan) in third place. In the Tabika Boys category, first place went to Alddrey Arddy L. Bonny (Tabika Kemas Kampung Suromboton), second to Muhammad Aisy Firdaus Raynol (Tabika Kemas Taman Sri Rugading), and third to Aeril Miqail Ashar (Tabika Kemas Pertanian). Meanwhile, in the Taska Boys category, Muhammad Aniq Mikail Juidi (Taska Kemas Kampung Bolong Lama) took the top spot, followed by Muhammad Haufan Hazza Ahamzah (Taska Kemas Kampung Bolong Lama) in second place and Niyaz Mikail Muhammad Nazri (Taska Kemas Kampus Intan Sabah) in third. All winners received cash prizes, certificates, and hampers presented by Sabah Bajausama Community Association Supreme Council member Raisin Gagah, representing Festival Organising Committee Chairman Datuk Kassim Razali. The event was jointly organised by Kemas and the Sabah Cultural Board (LKNS). * 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
08-06-2025
- General
- Daily Express
Taska Plaque for all childcare centres
TAWAU: A total of 230 registered childcare centres (Taska) throughout Sabah will be given the Registered Taska Plaque as proof of successful registration, said Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. She said this total comprises 196 institutional, 17 home-based, 16 workplace, and one community childcare centres. Advertisement 'To date, a total of 3,198 Taska have been registered nationwide and 230 of them are in Sabah, which will receive the plaque as proof of their successful registration,' she said. She said the installation of the Registered Taska Plaque is an initiative by her Ministry through the Social Welfare Department (JKM) to instil confidence in parents and the public that these childcare centres comply with the Child Care Centre Act 1984 and the Child Care Centre Regulations 2012.
Malay Mail
01-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
As RM3 hike looms, Bintulu's small businesses say egg subsidy removal puts pressure on food, childcare costs
BINTULU, May 1 — The gradual reduction and upcoming removal of egg subsidies is expected to significantly impact childcare centres, home-based businesses, and consumers in Sarawak, especially with egg prices already higher in the state compared to Peninsular Malaysia. Chairperson of the Persatuan Pengasuh dan Pendidik Awal Kanak-Kanak Bintulu (PAKB), Maraini Jaafar, 57, said that Grade B eggs are currently priced at RM12.60 per tray in Sarawak, compared to RM8.10 in the peninsula. With subsidies being phased out, prices are expected to increase by RM0.05 to RM0.10 per egg starting today, which is equal to a hike of RM1.50 to RM3 per tray. 'By August 2025, we anticipate a 50 per cent rise in egg prices. It's becoming more difficult to obtain local Grade B eggs due to supply restrictions,' she said. For Taska operators who prepare up to four meals a day for young children, eggs have long been a go-to protein source due to their affordability. But the sharp increase in prices, alongside rising costs for vegetables, fruits, and wet goods, which have jumped by up to 35 per cent, is adding serious strain. 'Though it seems like a small price change, it affects our entire meal planning and budget. Operational costs are rising rapidly,' said Maraini, who runs Taska Permata Kasih and Taska Penyayang Mama. She warned that the burden won't just fall on low-income (B40) families but also on middle-income childcare providers often excluded from financial assistance due to gross income thresholds that don't reflect real operating costs. The expected price hike may also drive up costs for other egg-based products such as pastries, bread, and local kuih, she added. Maraini called for a more equitable subsidy model and proposed targeted allocations for essential services like childcare, where nutrition for growing children is a priority. Meanwhile, Francis Ngu, a grocery store operator, said the impact of the subsidy removal brings little change as regular eggs have long been missing from the local market. 'Regular grade eggs are rarely seen on shelves, with only small quantities occasionally available. Instead, higher-priced options such as selenium-enriched and organic eggs dominate the market. 'When they do appear, it's just a few trays here and there. Mostly what's available is grade AAA eggs that cost up to RM20 per tray,' he added. However, Ngu warned that the move may provide businesses a convenient reason to raise prices across related products, deepening consumer frustration. The decision to remove the subsidy, part of a larger policy shift to allow egg prices to float according to market rates, was announced with the aim of stabilising supply and ensuring fair competition. However, in places like Bintulu, where consumers already face inflated prices and limited choices, the policy change has deepened frustration rather than eased burdens. For home-based baker Mommy Sam, who operates 'Mommy Sam Home Bakery', the change could jeopardise her operations. Eggs are a staple in her cakes and pastries, and even a small cost increase will affect her margins. 'Raising prices could drive away customers. Malaysia's market is very price-sensitive,' she said. She added that smaller players like herself could be squeezed out of the market, as larger commercial bakeries can better absorb cost increases, creating an uneven playing field. 'The gap between us and big bakeries could widen,' she said, calling for greater support for small-scale food entrepreneurs navigating the challenging economic climate. — The Borneo Post
Borneo Post
01-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
End of egg subsidy increases pressure on childcare operators, bakers in Sarawak
Eggs on display at a local supermarket. – Photo by Chimon Upon BINTULU (May 1): The gradual reduction and upcoming removal of egg subsidies is expected to significantly impact childcare centres, home-based businesses, and consumers in Sarawak, especially with egg prices already higher in the state compared to Peninsular Malaysia. Chairperson of the Persatuan Pengasuh dan Pendidik Awal Kanak-Kanak Bintulu (PAKB), Maraini Jaafar, 57, said that Grade B eggs are currently priced at RM12.60 per tray in Sarawak, compared to RM8.10 in the peninsula. With subsidies being phased out, prices are expected to increase by RM0.05 to RM0.10 per egg starting today, which is equal to a hike of RM1.50 to RM3 per tray. 'By August 2025, we anticipate a 50 per cent rise in egg prices. It's becoming more difficult to obtain local Grade B eggs due to supply restrictions,' she said. For Taska operators who prepare up to four meals a day for young children, eggs have long been a go-to protein source due to their affordability. Maraini Jaafar But the sharp increase in prices, alongside rising costs for vegetables, fruits, and wet goods, which have jumped by up to 35 per cent, is adding serious strain. 'Though it seems like a small price change, it affects our entire meal planning and budget. Operational costs are rising rapidly,' said Maraini, who runs Taska Permata Kasih and Taska Penyayang Mama. She warned that the burden won't just fall on low-income (B40) families but also on middle-income childcare providers often excluded from financial assistance due to gross income thresholds that don't reflect real operating costs. The expected price hike may also drive up costs for other egg-based products such as pastries, bread, and local kuih, she added. Maraini called for a more equitable subsidy model and proposed targeted allocations for essential services like childcare, where nutrition for growing children is a priority. Meanwhile, Francis Ngu, a grocery store operator, said the impact of the subsidy removal brings little change as regular eggs have long been missing from the local market. 'Regular grade eggs are rarely seen on shelves, with only small quantities occasionally available. Instead, higher-priced options such as selenium-enriched and organic eggs dominate the market. 'When they do appear, it's just a few trays here and there. Mostly what's available is grade AAA eggs that cost up to RM20 per tray,' he added. Francis Ngu However, Ngu warned that the move may provide businesses a convenient reason to raise prices across related products, deepening consumer frustration. The decision to remove the subsidy, part of a larger policy shift to allow egg prices to float according to market rates, was announced with the aim of stabilising supply and ensuring fair competition. However, in places like Bintulu, where consumers already face inflated prices and limited choices, the policy change has deepened frustration rather than eased burdens. For home-based baker Mommy Sam, who operates 'Mommy Sam Home Bakery', the change could jeopardise her operations. Eggs are a staple in her cakes and pastries, and even a small cost increase will affect her margins. 'Raising prices could drive away customers. Malaysia's market is very price-sensitive,' she said. She added that smaller players like herself could be squeezed out of the market, as larger commercial bakeries can better absorb cost increases, creating an uneven playing field. 'The gap between us and big bakeries could widen,' she said, calling for greater support for small-scale food entrepreneurs navigating the challenging economic climate. egg subsidy cuts essential food items foodstuff
CBS News
18-02-2025
- CBS News
Saddle Brook, N.J. woman shot in the face with crossbow. A Hasbrouck Heights man is in custody.
A Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey man is facing attempted murder charges for allegedly shooting a woman in the face with a crossbow in Saddle Brook. It happened at around 5:55 p.m. Monday at Birds By Joe 2, an exotic bird store on Route 46. The suspect, 53-year-old Raymond Carey of Hasbrouck Heights, was arrested less than 24 hours later in Pine Beach. He faces attempted murder, weapons and obstruction charges. "He takes out the bow... and shoots her" Deniz Taska, the victim's friend, said the suspect was a customer who casually walked into the store and then left in a car. "As soon as he comes to the store, he takes out the bow from his thing and shoots her," Taska said. The victim ran into a nearby bike store screaming after she was shot. The aftermath of the incident was caught on video. "There was a fair bit of blood and she was holding a napkin to her face," said bike store employee Ryan Oracz. "I jumped up from the corner looked down the aisle, blood coming from her mouth and she had something in her hands. So I met her halfway and she proceeds to hand me a crossbow." Oracz called 911. Police arrived within minutes. The victim was rushed to the hospital, but was back in the shop Tuesday, according to her friends. Saddle Brook police and Bergen County prosecutors partnered with other area law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, to track the suspect down. They identified his vehicle and arrested him in Pine Beach Tuesday just before 1 p.m. "She is doing better right now, but she is traumatized. She doesn't want to talk to anyone," Deniz Taska said. "She has a broken teeth and injured lips and cheek. She has - we have no idea why he did it." "We don't know why he did it" Taska said the suspect is a regular customer. "She said he comes here... every other week to get seeds and other stuff. So we don't know why he did it," Taska said. Back in January, a $7,000 parrot was stolen from the same shop. The African grey parrot was ultimately returned. At this point, however, there doesn't appear to be a connection between the two incidents. "We don't think so, too, but we don't know because they couldn't catch this guy either. The guy is still out there. They might be related," Taska said. People who know the victim say she's devoted to her parrots. "I just want to wish the best for [her], that she heals quickly and she gets back to feeding the birds, 'cause they can't go without the food. She literally hand feeds each one of them. That is why she has such a successful business," print shop owner Victor Jaramillo said.
