Latest news with #GRS
Free Malaysia Today
18 hours ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Warisan's track record doesn't reflect good governance, says GRS leader
Restructuring efforts are being carried out for Sabah International Petroleum and Sabah Development Bank, says GRS's Penampang Youth chief Ceasar Mandela Malakun. PETALING JAYA : Warisan's track record with state-linked companies does not reflect good governance, says a divisional youth chief of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah. Ceasar Mandela Malakun, head of GRS Penampang Youth, dismissed recent claims on good governance raised by Warisan vice-president Junz Wong. Malakun said Warisan's portrayal of itself as a reform-oriented government did not reflect the realities of its time in power from 2018 to 2020. Malakun highlighted the serious concerns that were raised over Sabah International Petroleum (SIP) and Sabah Development Bank (SDBank) at the time. The concerns were about the concentration of power and oversight when the chief minister, who was also state finance minister, added on the role of SIP chairman. 'From May 2018 to September 2020, SIP's debts to SDBank increased from RM1.05 billion to RM1.24 billion, while its total group liabilities – combining those with commercial banks – rose to RM1.75 billion,' he said in a statement today. Malakun also pointed to SDBank's external bond obligations which reportedly jumped from RM3.66 billion to RM4.57 billion by the time Warisan left office. 'Despite clear signs of financial distress, the bank continued to declare annual profits,' he said. 'Industry observers at the time said this raised concerns of governance weaknesses, including the possible use of creative accounting practices that may have masked the bank's underlying financial risks,' he said. Malakun said the GRS-led government is currently undertaking restructuring efforts to restore proper financial discipline, improve risk management, and ensure that SIP and SDBank serve their developmental mandates effectively. 'Sabahans deserve the truth, not Junz's selective memory. Governance isn't about rhetorics, it's about taking responsibility,' he said.
Free Malaysia Today
19 hours ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Be realistic, Sabah Umno not the force it once was, Bung told
Lee Kuok Tiung of U niversiti Malaysia Sabah said Warisan poses a bigger threat to GRS than Sabah Umno, especially if multi-cornered clashes occur. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Bung Moktar Radin needs to accept the reality that Sabah Umno is no longer the force it used to be in the East Malaysian state, says a political analyst. Universiti Malaysia Sabah's Lee Kuok Tiung said while Umno used to dominate Sabah, the state's political landscape was vastly different then, with fewer local parties in contention. He pointed out that several parties have emerged in Sabah after multiple leaders broke away from Umno, namely Shafie Apdal's Warisan, Hajiji Noor's Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), and even Bersatu's Sabah chapter, led by former Umno man Ronald Kiandee. 'There was no Warisan, GRS or even Sabah Bersatu in the past, and some of Sabah Umno's other past leaders are with different parties today. 'The political landscape and political set-up at that time was very different from the current scenario. So, wouldn't it be fair to say that Sabah Umno is not as it was before?' he told FMT. Lee also said Warisan, which intends to go solo in the upcoming state election, posed a bigger threat to GRS than Sabah Umno, especially if multi-cornered clashes occur. 'Warisan still carries a strong local branding compared with Umno, which carries 'federal baggage'. Warisan also appeals across the races more effectively than Umno. 'Although GRS currently holds the administrative power, any erosion of support (by way of multi-cornered contests), especially in mixed or urban seats, could benefit Warisan,' he said. While Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan have agreed to an alliance for the state election, talks are ongoing to rope GRS into the pact. Nonetheless, Sabah BN and GRS leaders have continued to trade barbs. On Wednesday, Bung said leaders of Sabah-based parties have failed to unite Sabahans despite constantly pushing sentiments that they were local parties. The Sabah Umno chief said he appreciated the 'local struggle' spirit, but the narrative that only local parties could defend Sabah was a broken record, specifically training his guns on GRS deputy chairman Jeffrey Kitingan. Bung said only national coalitions like BN could bring major change, ensure long-term stability and defending Sabah's right through federal channels. Lee warned Bung that undermining local party sentiments risked alienating voters, especially with more and more of them seeing local representation in the state assembly as crucial. 'Maybe he should slow down or lie low a little because what goes around comes around. Wouldn't it be a laughing stock if, in the 17th state election, Sabah Umno suddenly has to work with a local party? 'Some leaders need to move beyond the belief that they alone hold all the answers, and refrain from launching personal attacks against those with differing views. It's time they set aside their arrogance.' Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara agreed that it would be unwise to play down local party sentiments, which he noted was 'very, very high', though he believed Umno was still a force to be reckoned with in Sabah. Azmi said Umno's awareness of local party sentiments was evidenced by its federal leadership pushing the narrative that Sabah Umno had autonomy to make decisions, even on electoral pacts. However, he said, the federal BN leadership was making the final calls to unite the warring factions within Sabah Umno aligned with Bung, Abdul Rahman Dahlan and Salleh Said Keruak. Azmi also argued that BN and PH had the upper hand over local parties at the polls because of their access to federal power and resources.
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Crystal International Advances Smart Manufacturing
Crystal International Group Limited released its 2024 sustainability report outlining the apparel manufacturer's sustainability vision, strategies, key initiatives, achievements, and performance. The Hong Kong-based company produces denim, lifestyle apparel, sportswear and outdoor apparel, intimates, knits and fabrics across its production facilities in Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. More from Sourcing Journal Teamsters President: 'UPS Will Be in for a Hell of a Fight' After Layoffs UPS Slashes 20,000 Jobs as it Weans Off Amazon Cone Denim Outlines Sustainability Gains in New Report In the report, CEO Andrew Lo described 2024 as a year of gradual recovery amidst geopolitical and macroeconomic challenges. Despite this, the company's efforts to reduce its environmental impact progressed. In 2024, Crystal's net zero target was validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. The company's long-term target is to reduce absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent by 2050, based on a 2022 baseline. As Crystal's production scale gradually increases, the denim factory in Vietnam has expanded its existing wastewater treatment plant by adding a new treatment unit. Currently, the factory is using up to 60 percent recycled water in its production processes. Using sustainable inputs continues to be a priority. In 2024, 40 percent of Crystal's sportswear fabrics incorporated recycled polyester, while around 85 percent of its denim was BCI cotton. In Vietnam, 55 percent of the raw materials were certified with GRS or Recycled Claim Standard certification. In 2024, 80 percent of Crystal's chemicals conformed to the highest level 3 of the ZDHC MRSL. The report also gives insight into Crystal's investments in new technologies. Crystal's Digital Product Creation Center, which was established in 2022, is meeting the increasing demand for 3D virtual sampling. The number of physical samples shipped by Crystal's denim division to customers in 2024 decreased by more than 50 percent compared to 2018. The company is scaling smart manufacturing for denim to prepare for increased capacity, which is aimed at nearly doubling by 2029 compared to 2023. Crystal's denim factory in Vietnam is currently being transitioned to smart manufacturing. The overhaul includes a smart warehouse management system, a smart AGV system, a smart cutting system and smart production lines. Additionally, RFID technology is being utilized to identify and track the movement of semi-finished and finished products along the production process. Crystal said this advancement helps streamline inventory management, reduces the risk of loss or misplacement and enhances quality control by identifying issues swiftly. The overhaul is expected to be completed in mid-2026. Crystal said the denim team will continue to explore the application of artificial intelligence in the production processes, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of innovation in the industry. The newly extended drying hanger system at Crystal's denim factory in Cambodia enhanced the capacity of the pre-drying process, reducing the dryer's operation time by 20 minutes on average. Stretching 5,640 feet, it is the longest drying hanger track among Crystal's denim factories. The report states that it saved approximately 22 percent of steam and 3 percent of electricity consumption, resulting in an annual reduction of around 350 tonnes of carbon emissions. Crystal is planning to expand its FLAP model (short Finishing Center, Logistics Center, Assembly Center and Parts Manufacturing Center), which serves as a blueprint for automating its knits division. The model is being piloted at one of Crystal's lifestyle apparel factories in China. Colleagues from sister factories participating in months-long, in-depth training sessions at the factory to equip them with the knowledge and experience needed to implement FLAP at their factories. In general, Crystal is expediting its factories' transition to automation. Over 300 automated machines and robots in Crystal's knits factories in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Bangladesh since 2023. The technologies have reduced the amount of time it takes to produce a basic T-shirt by 34 percent compared to 2020. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Fashion Value Chain
a day ago
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
eVent Fabrics Debuts Recyclable Plant-Based Laminates
eVent® Fabrics has launched a new line of circular, plant-based laminates under its stormST™ and windstormST™ platforms—marking a major step in sustainable performance fabrics. The collection features 11 laminate configurations made with monomaterial construction to support mechanical recycling and closed-loop systems without sacrificing breathability or durability. Designed for outdoor and urban performance, the stormST™ fabrics offer waterproof protection, while windstormST™ delivers breathable windproof defense. Both are PFAS-free and certified by bluesign®, Oeko-Tex®, and GRS, aligning with upcoming EU regulations pushing for circular, eco-conscious designs. 'Circularity starts with design,' says Chad Kelly, President of eVent Fabrics. This launch empowers brands to build recyclable products that meet performance expectations and sustainability goals.
The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
Kitingan misses Kaamatan launch because of medical reasons
KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan was noticeably absent from the official launch of the state-level Kaamatan celebration at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall on Friday (May 30). Kitingan, who also serves as the organising chairman of the month-long harvest festival, was said to have sprained his ankle, preventing him from attending the key cultural event that was opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. An aide of Kitingan stated that he did not attend due to medical reasons. In his absence, Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president, took the stage to deliver Kitingan's prepared speech to guests and dignitaries gathered for the launch. The Prime Minister, in his address, acknowledged Kitingan's absence and shared that he had personally reached out to the Sabah STAR president earlier in the day. 'I called Jeffrey Kitingan earlier this morning, and he is recovering well,' Anwar said. Kitingan's absence did not go unnoticed, especially amid heightened political speculation over the direction of Gabungan Sabah (GRS) ahead of the 17th Sabah state election. Political talk has been swirling that Kitingan might pull Sabah STAR out of GRS if Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor continues to push for the coalition to align with Pakatan Harapan. The Kaamatan Festival, celebrated annually throughout May, is one of Sabah's most important cultural events, particularly among the Kadazandusun and Murut communities. The presence of top leaders at its launch is typically seen as a show of unity, making Kitingan's absence all the more conspicuous.
