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Daily Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Prof: Sabah is still struggling on basic needs
Published on: Thursday, July 24, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 24, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Nga highlighted that playing up issues of race, religion and region during elections, saying it risks dividing the people. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah is still struggling to fulfil the basic needs of its people despite the nation having passed through various stages of development, said Social and Youth Policy expert of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Associate Professor Dr Janice Nga. She said input gathered during the recent Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) showed many Sabahans are still grappling with fundamental issues, those at the bottom tier of Maslow's hierarchy. 'This shows we're still lagging behind. It's not about fixing roads just before VIP visits and leaving them to fall apart later. 'If we are serious, we must ask: When will this road be completed? How many more communities will get basic utilities?' she said. She also pointed out that sincere leadership, not just plans, makes a difference, noting that Sarawak's progress came from administrative consistency and integrity. 'Sabah was ahead once, but now Sarawak has overtaken us because their leadership was consistent from the Chief Minister to the Premier. That's the key,' she said. Nga highlighted that playing up issues of race, religion and region during elections, saying it risks dividing the people. 'In Sabah, our issue isn't race or religion, but it's regionalism. We often hear 'Sabahan' versus 'non-Sabahan' being used like there are invisible borders within our own state,' she said. She also emphasised that some leaders fear empowering the rakyat, worrying that once people become self-reliant, they'll no longer need political crutches. 'There are leaders who want the rakyat to remain dependent. Because once united and independent, the people might no longer support them,' Nga said. Nga called for unity based on shared aspirations rather than identity politics and said sincerity should be the benchmark, not a leader's place of birth. 'If someone from the peninsula is genuine about helping Sabah, why not? Just like the Inpuma team that came not for personal gain, but to contribute,' she added. She urged the public not to fall for political rhetoric that undermines leadership integrity for the sake of votes. 'A good leader, no matter where they come from, they can bring good to Sabah,' she 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
The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
Sabah looking to harness ocean's thermal energy in Tawau waters, says Hajiji
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah hopes to adopt Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) in waters off Tawau as a source of renewable energy, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He said harnessing ocean thermal energy was part of the state's Blue Economy goals under the Sabah Maju Jaya development agenda. "In addition, the Sabah Biodiversity Centre and Yayasan Petronas, in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), are also actively carrying out the Seaweed Mapping Project across Sabah," he said in his speech at the World Biodiversity Day celebrations at the Dewan Arena Belia in Semporna,Thursday (July 24). In line with the focus on exploring, promoting, and supporting the Blue Economy, Hajiji gave his assurance that the state government will ensure that tourism activities in Semporna were well-regulated and do not disrupt marine biodiversity but provide benefits and advantages to the people of Sabah. The Chief Minister said that the approval of the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025 at the recent State Assembly sitting had positioned Sabah as the nation's leader in environmental conservation and resilience against climate change. He said the implementation of the Enactment would ensure the involvement of Sabah's native community and that their rights are protected through the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure. "I wish to emphasise that the Sabah State Government is committed to protecting and preserving the state's natural resources, biodiversity and ecosystem," he said in his speech delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan. He said the celebration's theme, "Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development", is meaningful and underscored the crucial roles both elements play in preserving the health of the planet, enhancing human well-being and ensuring a sustainable future. "This theme is also timely and serves as a reminder to humanity, especially the people of Sabah, not to be complacent when carrying out development activities without considering the sustainability of biodiversity, the well-being of animals, plants, and ecosystems that bring benefits to our lives," he said. "By ensuring that nature is protected and valued, we not only safeguard biodiversity but also secure economic and social well-being for current and future generations," he said. He said that the concept aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Sabah Biodiversity Strategy 2024–2034. At the same time, today's celebration and theme also reflect the aspirations of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda, which is fundamentally anchored in promoting green practices and supporting sustainable development. Conservation efforts, however, he said, needed strong support from all quarters, including government agencies, the private sector, NGOs, the local community, and the people of Sabah in general. He said the state government, on its part, would continue to implement development programmes that emphasise green sustainability by prioritising the responsible use and management of natural resources, as well as ensuring environmental protection, social well-being, and economic growth for future generations.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Cost-saving, eco-friendly solution
PHOTOVOLTAIC solar energy systems allow us to generate our own electricity, significantly reducing electricity bills — and in some cases, eliminating them. In Malaysia, a photovoltaic solar system with a capacity of around 5 kW can produce up to 600 kWh of electricity per month, which is enough to cover 70 per cent to 100 per cent of a typical household's electricity needs. Once seen as a luxury only accessible to the wealthy, solar panels are now gaining traction among homeowners as a modern, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution. For Saiful Nizam Abu Bakar, 44, the switch to solar energy began in August last year after years of paying around RM700 monthly for electricity to support a household of seven. Saiful said he received a RM4,000 rebate through a solar incentive scheme at the time and paid only RM23,000 to install 14 solar panels on his roof. "Although I have to pay RM300 in monthly instalments for five years (to finance the solar system), after that I no longer have to worry about electricity bills. My bill used to be RM700 a month — now it's just RM40," he said. Beyond rebates through solar incentive schemes, financing options from local banks help ease the initial cost of installing photovoltaic systems. Gan Yong Li, 38, said that the option to pay in instalments has made solar energy more appealing to the public. Like Saiful, he received a RM4,000 rebate and installed 10 panels on his home. "My electricity bill used to be nearly RM400 a month. Since installing solar panels, it has dropped to just about RM10 a month," he said. "Sometimes it goes over RM100 when I charge the car more often, but it's usually below RM100," he said. For Gan, one interesting aspect is that the maintenance cost of solar panels is minimal. They need to be cleaned only occasionally, and usually, the rain will wash away most of the dirt. SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION Meanwhile, senior lecturer and energy manager at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Dr Wan Khairul Muzammil Abd Rahim, described solar energy as a smart choice, capable of reducing electricity bills by more than 90 per cent. "Financing options like solar leasing and zero upfront cost models make solar power more accessible," he said. He said solar technology costs in Malaysia have dropped by 30 per cent to 50 per cent over the past five years, thanks to advancements and increased competition. "Generating your own electricity also shields you from inflation. It's a proactive investment for an uncertain future," he added. More importantly, solar energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels like coal, thereby lowering carbon emissions and improving air quality. This shift aligns with Malaysia's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 in response to global climate change. | With rapid technological advancements, growing climate awareness, and rising living costs, solar energy is proving to be a highly worthwhile long-term investment. Supported by government incentives, substantial cost savings, and easy, affordable maintenance, there's no reason to wait. Visit or consult a certified solar photovoltaic system provider to take the first step toward a more sustainable energy future.
The Star
4 days ago
- Science
- The Star
Penampang teachers take part in special dyscalculia workshop
KOTA KINABALU: A specialised workshop focused on dyscalculia intervention was held here over the weekend to enhance teachers' capacity to support pupils with specific learning difficulties in mathematics. Funded by the Malaysian National Commission for Unesco, the two-day programme was organised by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) through its Faculty of Business, Economics and Accounting, led by Dr Christina Wong Sing Yun. Fifteen remedial teachers from Penampang took part in the session, where they gained practical tools and knowledge to better identify and assist students struggling with dyscalculia, a learning difficulty that impacts number sense, basic arithmetic and mathematical reasoning. A key highlight of the workshop was a session led by Dr Fu Sai Hoe, a dyscalculia researcher and remedial officer with the Sandakan Education Office. He introduced the Numi (numeracy intervention) framework based on cognitive learning theory and guided teachers through the "I do-we do-you do" model under the "reconnecting learning" approach. "Children with dyscalculia are often overlooked in classrooms. This initiative empowers teachers to ensure that no learner is left behind," said Fu. Wong underscored the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in promoting inclusive education. "This workshop reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening foundational numeracy skills, especially for learners who require targeted intervention," she said, while expressing appreciation to the Malaysian National Commission for Unesco for their continued support.
Daily Express
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Record RM136 million for students: Chief Minister
Published on: Monday, July 21, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 21, 2025 Text Size: Mohd Arifin presents the Domestic Higher Education Student Contribution (SENTOSA) at the ceremony held at the Chancellor Hall, Universiti Malaysia Sabah on Sunday. Kota Kinabalu: The State Government continues to strengthen its commitment to higher education through various targeted initiatives, including the largest allocation to date — RM136 million — for the Sabah State Government Scholarships (BKNS) this year. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor said the significant increase from RM50 million in 2020 reflects the government's determination to ensure access to higher education is available to all Sabahans, regardless of their socio-economic background. Advertisement 'This is a long-term investment by the government to develop a high-quality and competitive human capital. 'We do not want Sabah's youth to be left behind in education simply due to financial constraints,' he said during presentation ceremony for Sabah-Based Higher Education Students Aid Contribution (Sentosa) at the Chancellor Hall, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), on Sunday. His speech was delivered by State Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin bin Datuk Mohd Arif. Hajiji said 4,170 students would benefit from BKNS sponsorships this year, in line with the goals of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development policy to strengthen the education sector as a pillar of the state's progress. Hajiji who is also UMS Pro-Chancellor said that this year alone, the State Government has allocated RM77.5 million to implement 13 education aid initiatives, benefiting schools, Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), students from institutions of higher learning, as well as Sabah student associations both locally and abroad. He added that key initiatives include the one-off IPT Registration Cash Aid (BUDI), the Computer Assistance Program (BAIK), the Sabah Malaysian Student Secretariat (SEMESTA), and the Sabah Student Flight Ticket Assistance (GRS-SUBFLY). He said Yayasan Sabah has also played a significant role in educational development, allocating RM67.17 million last year, which benefited 3,234 students. Through the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Muis) RM92.4 million was disbursed over the past five years via the Zakat and Fitrah Division, helping more than 48,000 students across the State. To ensure continued education support, the Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS), introduced in June 2022, has benefited nearly 10,104 recipients with a total expenditure of RM15.8 million to date. He said the Sentosa assistance program, launched in March at the Gaya Campus of the Institute of Teacher Education (IPG), involves a RM6 million allocation and targets approximately 20,000 Bumiputera Sabah students within the State. 'This assistance aims to ease students' financial burden, especially for basic necessities or returning home. It also reflects the government's strong commitment to ensuring no student is left behind in their educational journey,' he said. At the event, Hajiji handed out a one-time cash aid of RM300 per student under the Sentosa program to over 600 students, including 319 from UMS and 323 from Mahsa College Sabah, who had not previously received the aid. 'I hope the students will fully utilize the assistance provided and continue striving for excellence in their respective fields, for the future of the state and the nation,' he 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
