Latest news with #UniversitiSultanZainalAbidin
New Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Science
- New Straits Times
UniSZA researcher discovers rare red-bellied eagle nest in Terengganu
KUALA NERUS: In a remarkable discovery, Anuar McAfee, a research fellow at the East Coast Environmental Research Institute of Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), successfully located a nest of the elusive red-bellied eagle (Lophotriorchis kienerii) in the forests of Terengganu last February. The nest, found atop a 57-metre-high tree, marks the first recorded sighting of its kind in Malaysia. Anuar, who is a member of the Terengganu branch of the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), said the discovery is highly significant for Malaysia's ornithological records, a branch of zoology dedicated to the study of birds. He said the presence of the red-bellied eagle is a clear indicator that the ecology of Terengganu's forests remains healthy and capable of sustaining wildlife species at the top of the food chain. "The red-bellied eagle is a predator listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list as a near-threatened species. "This species can be found in mature forests and highland forests in South Asia and Southeast Asia," he said in a statement today. Anuar said the discovery of the raptor's nest was also very significant because it was not only the first in Malaysia, but also rarely recorded globally. According to him, the data will be used for conservation biology research, biodiversity monitoring and forest ecosystem assessment. "This important discovery contributes to global conservation efforts, in line with the Convention on Biological Diversity, which promotes the conservation of biodiversity as the basis for sustainable development. "The conservation of the animal's habitat in Malaysia is important to ensure that the biodiversity we have is protected for future generations to see," he said
Sinar Daily
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
Rafizi's criticisms of leaders: Strategy or desperate move?
Rafizi's boldness deserves recognition, but without a strategy for unity, it could turn into a double-edged sword, either becoming a catalyst for reform or trigger division within the reformist movement. Rafizi's actions may also affect PKR's unity and project a negative image among supporters, particularly fence-sitters who may now lean more towards Nurul Izzah due to her calm and dignified approach, says analyst. SHAH ALAM - Datuk Rafizi Ramli's move to openly criticise leaders within and outside PKR through his roadshow "Yang Bakar Menteri: Yang Berhenti Menteri?" has raised questions about his intentions and the impact on both the party and his own position ahead of the party elections on May 24. The move has sparked speculation on whether Rafizi was formulating a long-term strategy or simply acting defensively to retain his post as the party's deputy president. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia associate professor Dr Mazlan Ali said Rafizi's open critiques could backfire, handing political rivals the upper hand. He said Rafizi should not raise internal issues publicly and instead resolve them through proper channels, as such actions could provide "ammunition" for political enemies to strike at both PKR and the unity government led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. "Rafizi's actions may also affect PKR's unity and project a negative image among supporters, particularly fence-sitters who may now lean more towards Nurul Izzah Anwar due to her calm and dignified approach. "Rafizi's courage and decisiveness make him a key political figure. However, excessive openness can backfire if it erodes grassroots confidence in the leadership," he said. Mazlan added that even if Rafizi lost, the latter was expected to remain in PKR and may focus on grassroots-level activities, especially in preparation for the upcoming 16th General Election. "Rafizi is still young and has the opportunity to contest the same or even higher positions in the next party election," he said. Meanwhile, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) political analyst Dr Hussain Yusri Zawawi, viewed Rafizi's actions as a form of counter-hegemonic politics, born out of a deep reformist idealism. However, he said Rafizi's approach was often perceived as a "thorn in the flesh" by some party members due to his public exposure of party weaknesses, which disrupted government machinery balance. "Even though the criticism is grounded in idealism, it still creates a negative perception as it appears to undermine his own team," he said. Hussain also pointed out that the return of Nurul Izzah has created not only a personality clash but also a divergence in political style and philosophy between Rafizi's technocratic style and Nurul Izzah's diplomatic approach. "Nurul Izzah is seen as a symbolic heir of the reform movement, while Rafizi represents a modern managerial approach that is firm against conventional leadership," he said. He added that Rafizi's boldness deserves recognition, but without a strategy for unity, that same boldness could turn into a double-edged sword, either becoming a catalyst for reform or a trigger for division within the reformist movement.
The Sun
17-05-2025
- The Sun
UniSZA bans recreational activities in water-based areas after student tragically drowns
PETALING JAYA: Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu has issued a notice, banning any recreational activities in water-based areas for its students. This comes after the incident involving its law faculty student, who was found drowned at Hutan Lipur Lata Payung picnic area yesterday. In a Facebook post, the university's sports and recreation center (PSR) announced that its students are prohibited from arranging recreational outings to places such as rivers and waterfalls. 'This takes effect immediately until further notice from UniSZA. 'This step has been taken for the safety and well-being of the UniSZA students,' it said. Yesterday, Abed Mifzal Azman, 22, a student from the campus, drowned after being swept away by strong currents while bathing in the river. His remains was found at 9.30pm by a search and rescue team with the help of villagers, about one kilometre from where he was first reported missing.
The Sun
17-05-2025
- The Sun
UniSZA bans water activities after student drowns
PETALING JAYA: Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu has issued a notice, banning any recreational activities in water-based areas for its students. This comes after the incident involving its law faculty student, who was found drowned at Hutan Lipur Lata Payung picnic area yesterday. In a Facebook post, the university's sports and recreation center (PSR) announced that its students are prohibited from arranging recreational outings to places such as rivers and waterfalls. 'This takes effect immediately until further notice from UniSZA. 'This step has been taken for the safety and well-being of the UniSZA students,' it said. ALSO READ: UniSZA student found drowned at Lata Payung Yesterday, Abed Mifzal Azman, 22, a student from the campus, drowned after being swept away by strong currents while bathing in the river. His remains was found at 9.30pm by a search and rescue team with the help of villagers, about one kilometre from where he was first reported missing. READ MORE: Joy of eight friends on public holiday jaunt turns tragic as one drowns
New Straits Times
12-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Holiday outing ends in tragedy as waterfall claims UniSZA student's life
BANDAR PERMAISURI: The joy of eight friends from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) frolicking at Lata Changkah in Terengganu on the Wesak Day public holiday was shattered when one of them drowned. It was their first visit there as Muhammad Hady Izzudyn Ikmal Hisam, 23, said he and the victim, Wan Ahmad Irfan Wan Abdullah Thani, 24, were initially taking a dip with six other friends in the middle section of the (waterfall) cascade. "I then went ashore for a drink. Following that, I saw the six of them moving further toward the centre and worryingly, all six of them actually couldn't swim. "Not long after, I saw them all starting to struggle. I immediately rushed to help and managed to save five of them with the help of the public. "But we couldn't find Wan Ahmad Irfan," he said when met at the scene today. Meanwhile, operations commander Zuraidi Mohd Yusuf from the Setiu fire and rescue station (BBP Setiu) said they received a distress call about the incident at 3.42pm before dispatching 10 personnel to the waterfall. The search and rescue operation for the Faculty of Law student began at 4pm before Wan Ahmad Irfan's body was recovered from the bottom of the pool at a depth of 4.5 metres, some 28 minutes later. "Five of the victim's friends, who nearly drowned, were sent to the Setiu Hospital for treatment of near-drowning injuries, while the deceased student's body was handed over to police. "The public is advised to always be cautious about weather conditions. "While it wasn't raining at the waterfall during the incident, the murky water is an indication that rainfall occurred upstream (danger of surging currents)," he said.
